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IfeUNITED STATES OF AMERICA.^ 

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A 

COMPANION FOR THE ALTAR; 

OR 

WEEK'S PREPARATION 

FOR THE 

HOLY COMMUNION: 

CONSISTING OF 

A SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER 

AND 

MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS 

PROPER TO BE USED BEFORE AND DURING THE RECEIVING OF THE 

HOX.3T COIOffUtfXOXT; 

ACCORDING TO THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

IN THE 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BY JOHN HENRY HOBART, D. D. 

Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New- York. 



«>*G*^V 



TWENTY-FOURTH EDITION. 



NEW YOKK : 
THOMAS N. STANFORD, 

637 BROADWAY. 

185V. 

I. 



B 






Southern District of New-York, $s. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty-third day of June, 

in the forty-third year of the Independence of the United 

[l. s.] States of America, T. 8? J. Swords, of the said District, have 

deposited in this office the title of a Book, the right whereof 

they claim as Proprietors, in the words following, to wit : 

A Companion for tfie Altar; or Week's Preparation for the Holy 

Communion : Consisting of a short Explanation of the Lord's Supper, 

and Meditations and Prayers proper to be used before and during the 

receiving of the Holy Communion ; according to the Form prescribed 

by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. 

By John Henry Hobart, D. D. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 

Church in the State of New-York. The fourth edition, revised and 

corrected. 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, en- 
titled " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the 
Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and Proprietors of 
such Copies, during the times therein mentioned." And also to an 
Act, entitled " An Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for 
the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, 
Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, 
during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits 
thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving, and Etching Historical 
and other Prints." 

GILBERT LIVINGSTON THOMPSON, 

Clerk of the Soutliern District of New-York. 

By Edward Trenor, Ass't Clerk, 8ft 



PREFACE 



TO 



THE FIRST EDITION 



In the explanation of the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper prefixed to this work, the au- 
thor has endeavoured to use, as much as pos- 
sible, the words of the Church in her Cate- 
chism and Office for the Communion.* In this 
introductory treatise he has also made free 
use of an excellent Tract on the Holy Com- 
munion, by Bishop Gibson, and of a Sermon 
of the late Bishop Seabury, on the same sub- 
ject ; and when he quoted their sentiments, 
he thought it proper to use nearly their lan- 
guage. As quotations from others are thus 
incorporated with remarks of his own, a vari- 
ety of style may possibly be observed in this 
part of the work. It is necessary also to re- 
mark, that the devotions to be used at the ad- 
ministration of the Holy Communion, are not 



And, in doing this, lie has taken for his guide a short Explanation 
."<the Lord's Supper in the New Week's Preparation. 



IV PREFACE. 

all of them entirely original. But for the rest 
of the work, the meditations and prayers to be 
used in the week before the receiving of the 
Communion, the author is solely responsible. 

In the following pages the writer has en 
deavoured to keep in view two principles, 
which he deems most important and funda- 
mental. These principles are — That we are 
saved from the guilt and dominion of sin by 
the divine merits and grace of a crucified 
Redeemer ; and that the merits and grace of 
this Redeemer are applied to the soul of the 
believer in the devout and humble participa- 
tion of the ordinances of the Church, admin- 
istered by a priesthood who derive their au- 
thority by regular transmission from Christ, 
the Divine Head of the Church, and the 
source of all the power in it. These are the 
principles which, at first promulgated by the 
apostles, " in demonstration of the spirit and 
with power," constituted the glory of the 
primitive Church — : that Church, which was 
watered by the tears and blood of confes- 
sors and martyrs. These are the principles 
which, though in the present age unhappily 
disregarded and contemned, will again be 
cherished with sacred and inviolable ardour 
when it shall please the Divine and Almighty 
Head of the Church to restore her to her 
original purity and perfection. Could Chris- 
tians be persuaded heartily to embrace these 
principles, and to regulate their faith and 



PREFACE* 



conduct by them, the Church would be res- 
cued, on the one hand, from those baneful 
opinions which are reducing the Gospel to a 
cold, unfruitful, and comfortless system of 
heathen morals ; and, on the other, from that 
wild spirit of enthusiasm and irregular zea. 
which, contemning the divinely constituted 
government and priesthood of the Church, 
is destroying entirely her order, unity, and 
beauty, and undermining the foundations of 
sound and sober piety. 

It may possibly be objected to the strain of 
devotion in this work, that it is visionary and 
enthusiastic. But surely devotional writings, 
in order to engage and interest the affections, 
ought to be, in some degree at least, fervent 
and animated. The devotional strains of the 
sweet psalmist of Israel breathe the raptu- 
rous spirit of those celestial courts to which 
they are designed to lead the soul. If it be 
necessary to descend from sacred to human 
authority — the appeal may be made to the 
primitive fathers, who poured forth their de- 
votional feelings in language the most ardent 
and impassioned. The divines of the Church 
of England, who imbibed their principles and 
their piety at the pure fountain of the primi- 
tive Church, are distinguished for their lively 
and animating fervour. The writings of the 
venerable Bishop Andrews, of Bishop Tay- 
lor, Bishop Kenn, Bishop Hall, Dean Hickes, 
Dean Stanhope, Bishop Wilson, — (the enu- 

1* 



VI PREFACE. 

meration might be extended) — and the late 
eloquent and pious Bishop Home, not less 
instruct by sound and forcible reasoning, than 
animate and warm by the sacred fervour 
which pervades them. Far be it from the 
writer, humble in attainments as in years, to 
presume to range himself, even in the lowest 
seat, with these eminently distinguished ser- 
vants of the sanctuary. Happy may he es- 
teem himself, if, from the study of their 
works, which, next to the inspired volume, he 
cherishes as the invaluable standard of his 
principles, and the animating guide of his de- 
votions, he has caught even a feeble spark of 
that celestial spirit which made them burning 
and shining lights in the Church on earth, and 
has prepared them for the highest seats of 
glory in the Church Triumphant. 

For the errors and imperfections which he 
fears will be found in the work, he must offer 
as his best, though (he is sensible) feeble 
apology; that from some unavoidable circum- 
stances, the work, amidst the pressure of pro- 
fessional duties, was written and printed with 
a haste and rapidity that prevented those fre- 
quent and careful corrections, by which only 
a young and humble writer can hope to attain 
accuracy and excellence. 

That the work, notwithstanding its imper- 
fections, may tend to excite the attention of 
the careless to that inestimable ordinance 
which is the means and pledge of the Sa- 



PREFACE. 



Vll 



viour's grace and mercy — that it may aid the 
Christian to receive, with lively penitence, 
gratitude, and faith, the hallowed symbols of 
the body and blood of his blessed Redeemer, 
by which he is to be nourished and strength- 
ened unto everlasting life — is the humble but 
earnest prayer of 

THE AUTHOR. 

New-York, May, 1804. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
The Usefulness of actual Preparation before receiving the Lord's 
Supper ----------- - - - 11 

A short Introduction to the Lord's Supper, stating the Nature of the 

Ordinance, and the necessary Preparation for it 13 

MONDAY MORNING. Meditation— The Obligation of receiving 
the Holy Communion stated, and the various Pretences for neglect- 
ing it considered and refuted -------27 

The Prayer, <fcc. 34 

MONDAY EVENING. Meditation— The Christian directed in the 
serious Examination of his Spiritual Character and State, as pre- 
paratory to his receiving the Holy Communion - * - - 36 
A Confession of Sin ---------48 

The Supplication ---------49 

TUESDAY MORNING. Meditation— Man in his Natural State 51 

The Prayer 55 

TUESDAY EVENING. Meditation— Man in his Natural State 56 
The Prayer -----------67 

WEDNESDAY MORNING Meditation— Repentance - - 69 

The Prayer ..-79 

WEDNESDAY EVENING. Meditation— Resolutions of Obe- 
dience. The invigorating and sanctifying Agency of the Holy 

Spirit 81 

The Prayer 92 

THURSDAY MORNING. Meditation— -Faith in Christ - - 94 

The Prayer 106 

THURSDAY EVENING. Meditation— Faith in Christ as the 

eternal Son of God, and as a Prophet, a Priest, and King - - 108 

The Prayer - 123 

FRIDAY MORNING. Meditation— Thankful Remembrance of 

Christ's Death 126 

The Prayer 132 

FRIDAY EVENING. Meditation— Thankful Remembrance of 

the Death of Christ—Charity with all Men - 134 

An Act of Thanksgiving for the Humiliation and Sufferings of 

Christ 150 

The Prayer 154 

SATURDAY MORNING. Meditation— The devout Participa- 
tion of the Ordinances of the Church, the appointed Method 
of Salvation ---- .---- 156 
The Prayer - - - 166 



X CONTENTS. 

Meditation — The Mode by which Authority to administer the 
Sacraments is to be derived from Christ, the Divine Head of the 

Church 168 

The Prayer 181 

SATURDAY EVENING. Meditation— On the Nature and Ben- 
efits of the Lord's Supper -------- 184 

The Prayer 188 

SUNDAY MORNING. Meditation— The Dispositions with which 

the Communicant should advance to the Altar - 189 

The Prayer 199 

The Order for the Administration of the Lord's Supper, or Holy 

Communion ---------- 202 

The Prayer ----- 228 

A Form of Prayer for the Morning ------ 230 

A Form of Prayer for Noon -------- 233 

A Form of Prayer for Evening, &c. ------ 234 

Directions to Collects and Psalms, &c. ------ 247 

Note A, to page 178 249 



THE 
USEFULNESS OF ACTUAL PREPARATION 

BEFORE RECEIVING 

THE liORD'S SUPPER. 



(From Dr. Waterland.) 

Our esteem or disesteem of this holy sacra- 
ment will best be seen by our preparing or not 
preparing for it as we ought. There is some- 
thing of a preparation of heart, mind, and ways, 
required for all religious offices, much more for 
this, which is the flower and perfection of all. 

46 As to the length of time to be taken in pre- 
paring, there is no one certain rule to be given, 
whicn can suit all cases or circumstances: 
only, when a man has competently adjusted 
his accounts with God, (be it sooner or later,) 
then he is fit to come, and not till then. 

44 There is an habitual, and there is an actual 
preparation. The habitual preparation is a 
good life ; and the further we are advanced in 
it, the less need there is of any actual prepara- 
tion besides. But, because men are too apt 
to flatter and deceive their own hearts, and to 
speak peace to themselves without sufficient 
ground for so doing; therefore some actual 
preparation, self-examination, &c. is generally 
necessary, even to those who may be habitually 
good, if it be only to give them a well-grounded 
assurance that they really are so. 

44 It were to be wished there were not many 
amongst us who have a great deal to consider 



12 PREPARATION FOR THE LORD S SUPPER. 

of beforehand; many offences to correct, 
many disorders to set right, much to do, and 
much to undo, before they presume to come 
to God's altar. 

" Fault has been sometimes found with these 
little treatises of Weekly Preparation : I think, 
without reason. They are exceedingly useful 
in their kind. — It may be happy for them who 
need none of these helps : but they that least 
need them, are not the men, generally, who 
most despise them. None of us, perhaps, are 
so perfect as not to want, at some seasons, 
some such hints for recollection, or helps to 
devotion. It is well for common Christians, 
that they are provided with useful manuals of 
that kind. They that are well disposed, will 
make use of them as often as they need them, 
and will at all times give God thanks and 
praises for them." 

To the above judicious remarks it may be 
proper to add, that Christians should omit no 
opportunity of receiving the holy euchanst, 
even when it has not been in their power to 
go through the usual previous preparation. 

He who sincerely endeavours to serve his 
God and Saviour, is always prepared to re- 
ceive the Lord's Supper. And he should 
thankfully embrace every opportunity of com- 
memorating, in this sacred ordinance, the love 
of his blessed Redeemer, and of receiving fresh 
supplies of grace to quicken and strengthen 
him in his Christian course. 



SHORT INTRODUCTION 



LORD'S SUPPER, 

STATING 

THE NATURE OF THE ORDINANCE, AND THE 
NECESSARY PREPARATION FOR IT. # 

The Church in the catechism informs us, 
that Christ has ordained only two sacraments, as 
generally necessary to salvation; that is to say, 
Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Baptism 
was instituted by Christ, to be the right oi 
admission into his Churchy and is answerable 
to circumcision among the Jews.J The 
hordes Supper was ordained as a memorial of 
the sacrifice of the death of Christ,§ and ap- 

* See the introductory paragraph in the preface. 

t Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them. Matt, xxviii. 19. 
Then they that gladly received the word were baptized } and the same day 
there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts ii. 41. 

$ In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without 
hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of 
Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him 
tnrough the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the 
dead. Col. ii. 11, 12. 

§ For I have received of the Lord that which alio I delivered unto you, 
That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread : 
And when he ha-d given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is 
my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After 
the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This 
cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in 
remembrance of me. 1 Cor. xi. 23 — 25. 

9 



14 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

pointed by him instead of the Jewish passover.* 
These sacraments are both necessary to salva- 
tion. Baptism is necessary, being the ordinance 
whereby we are regenerated, that is, are 
translated from our natural state into a state 
of grace, and born again to a title to all the 
privileges of the Gospel covenant.f The 
Lord^s Supper is necessary, because it con 
veys that spiritual food by which we are 
nourished to everlasting life. The former is 
to be only once, the latter often received. 

These ordinances the Church considers as 
only generally, and not absolutely, necessary to 
salvation. She does not take upon her to 
exclude all hope of God's mercy, in those ex- 
traordinary cases, where the want of opportu- 
nity or capacity, or the force of involuntary 
error prevents men from receiving the sacra- 
ments. But as the Jews were obliged, under 
the severest penalty, to be circumcised,J and 
keep the passover ;§ so our guilt and danger 
will be proportionally great in not observing, 
when it is in our power, these two more easy 
institutions, || which are not only of a higher 

* For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. 1 Cor. v. 7. 

t Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born 
of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
John iii. 5. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body. 1 Cor. 
xii. 13. Saved by the washing of regeneration. Titus iii. 5. 

+ And the uncircumcised man-child, whose flesh of his foreskin is not 
circumcised, that soul shall be cut oft from his people; he hath broken my 
covenant. Gen. xvii. 14. 

§ But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to 
keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from his people. 
Numb. ix. 13. 

|| See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not 
who refused ma, that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, it 
we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven. Heb. xii. 25. 



lord's supper explained. 15 

authority, but also the distinguishing badges 
of a more excellent profession.* 

By the word sacrament the Church informs 
us is meant an outward and visible sign of an 
inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordain- 
ed by Christ himself as a means whereby we 
receive the same, and a pledge to assure us 
thereof In order, therefore, to constitute a 
sacrament there must be, first, something dis- 
cernible and apparent to our senses : secondly, 
this external sign must represent some 
spiritual grace and favour vouchsafed us by 
God : thirdly, the outward symbol must be of 
Chris? s own institution: and, fourthly, it must 
be appointed by him as a means of conveying 
to us the inward grace, and as a seal and 
pledge to assure it to us. 

The parts of which a sacrament consists are 
two, viz. the outward visible sign, and the inward 
spiritual grace. Outward sensible things can, 
by the institution of God, be means to convey, 
and pledges to assure to us, divine grace and 
favour. These sacramental signs were ordained 
by God in gracious condescension to our in- 
firmities, to inform our understanding, to 
refresh our memories, and to excite our affec- 
tions. Their efficacy is not owing to any 
power in themselves, but to the blessing of 
Christ.^ We are not, therefore, to doubt but 
that, in the right use of the outward means, 

* For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth cama by Jesus 
Christ. John i. 17. 

t So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that water- 
etli; but God, that giveth the ina -case. 1 Cor, iii. 7. 



J6 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

he will, by the power of his Spirit, though in a 
manner unknown to us, convey and confirm in 
Baptism, and convey and confirm in the Lord's 
Supper to the worthy receivers, the divine 
grace signified thereby. 

The Lord's Supper is so called, because the 
Jewish custom of eating bread and drinking 
wine, at the conclusion of the Paschal Sup- 
per, was by our Lord converted into the 
sacrament of his most precious body and 
blood* 

The Church teaches us, that the outward 
part or sign of the Lord's Supper is bread and 
wine, which the Lord has commanded to be re- 
ceived. Though it is our duty to rest satisfied 
in our Lord's will and pleasure, without seek- 
ing after a reason for his appointments ; we 
cannot but observe, that as our spiritual pu- 
rification is appositely represented by water 
in the other sacrament, so is our spiritual 
sustenance by bread and wine in this. This 
sacrament is commanded to be administered 
in both kinds.'f 

The Church likewise informs us, that the 
inward part, or thing signified, is the body and 
blood of Christ. God did not only give his 

* And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto 
them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remem- 
brance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the 
New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke xxii. 19, 20. 

t The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the 
blood of Christ ? The bread which we break, is it not \he communion of 
the body of Christ? 1 Cor. x. 16. And as they were eating, Jesus took 
bread, and blessed it and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, 
Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and 
gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. Matt. xxvi. 26, 27. 



lord's supper explained. 17 

Son Jesus Christ to die for us, but also to be 
our spiritual food and sustenance in this holy 
sacrament ; and if we receive it with a true 
penitent heart and lively faith, we do spirit- 
ually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his 
blood : we partake of all those blessings 
which he purchased by the offering of his 
body and blood; we are nourished and pre- 
served to everlasting life. 

The Church assures us, that the sacrament 
of the Lord^s Supper was ordained for the con- 
tinual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death 
of Christ and of the benefits which we receive 
thereby. This memorial of Christ's death is 
to be a standing service in his Church, so 
long as it continues militant on earth. Christ 
did institute, and in his holy Gospel com- 
mand us to continue a perpetual memory of 
his precious death and sacrifice, until his 
coming again. # His death is called a sacri- 
fice ; because our heavenly Father, of his 
tender mercy, gave his only Son Jesus Christ, 
to suffer death upon the cross for our redemp- 
tion; who made there (by his one oblation of 
himself once offered) a full, perfect, and suffi- 
cient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the 
sins of the whole world.t By this sacrifice 
we receive the remission of our sins, and are 
made partakers of the kingdom of heaven.J 

* For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the 
Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. xi. 26. 

t And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for our's only, but also 
for the sins of the whole world. 1 John ii. 2. 

J For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the 

2* 



18 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

And as the Son of God did vouchsafe to yield 
up his soul by death, upon the cross for our 
salvation; so it is the duty of all Christians 
frequently to receive the communion, in re- 
membrance of the sacrifice of his death, as he 
himself has commanded.* 

The eucharist is considered by some as not 
only a sacrament, in which, under the symbols 
of bread and wine, according to the institu- 
tion of Christ, the faithful truly and spiritually 
receive the body and blood of Christ, but also 
a sacrifice* commemorative of the original sacrifice 
and death of Christ for our deliverance from 
sin and death : a memorial made before God, to 
plead with him the meritorious sacrifice and 
death of his dear Son for the forgiveness of our 
sins, and all other benefits of Christ's passion. 
The eucharist being, as its name imports, a 
sacrifice of thanksgiving, the bread and wine, 
after they have been offered, or given to God, 
and blessed or sanctified by his Holy Spirit, 
are returned by the hand of his minister, to 
be eaten by the faithful, as a feast upon the sac- 
rifice; both to denote their being at peace and 
in favour with God, being thus fed at his table, 
and eating of his food, and also to convey to 
the worthy receivers all the benefits and 
blessings of Christ's natural body and blood, 



death of his So>^ much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his 
life. Rom. v. IX 

* After the same manner he also took the cup when he had supped, 
saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft a* 
ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread and 
drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. xi. 25, 2& 



lord's supper explained. 19 

which were offered and slain for their re- 
demption.* 

The Church informs us, that the benefits 
whereof we are partakers in the Lord's Sup- 
per are the strengthening and refreshing of our 
souls, by the body and blood of Christ, as our 
bodies are by the bread and ivine. As bread 
and wine, considered only as natural food, 
strengthen and refresh our bodies, so this 
bread and wine, received as memorials of the 
body and blood of Christ our Master, tend to 
the improvement and health of our souls. In 
this ordinance our souls are strengthened by 
the most solemn exercise of faith; by the 
most lively acts of gratitude and love; and 
especially by the communication of supernatu- 
ral graced Our souls are also refreshed by 
the comfortable assurance of God's favour 



* See Bishop Seabury's discourse on the holy eucharist. 

Some diversity of opinion exists on the subject of the eucharist being, in 
a strict and proper sense, a sacrifice. Considering the death of the victim 
as essential to a sacrifice, the term is improperly applied to the eucharist. 
In this ordinance there is no victim slain and offered. But if sacrifice be 
considered as synonymous with oblation, the holy eucharist maybe es- 
teemed a true and proper sacrifice. For the benediction of the bread and 
wine by our Lord, we may reasonably conclude, was accompanied with the 
solemn oblation of them to his Almighty Father, as the memorial of his 
body that was to be broken, and his blood that was to be shed as a propi- 
tiation for the sins of the world. Accordingly our Church, following 
primitive usage, makes an oblation of the consecrated bread and wine in 
the holy eucharist. " We thy humble servants, do celebrate and make 
here, before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which ice now 
offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make." 
Eitncr as a sacrifice or as an oblation, the end of this solemn presentation 
of the consecrated bread and wine to God is the same, to plead with him, 
that "by the merits and death of his Son Jesus Christ, and through faith 
in his blood," all the faithful members of his Church may " obtain remis- 
sion of their sins, and all other benefits of his passion." See the prayer of 
consecration in the communion office. 

t He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and 
I in him. John vi. 56. 



20 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

and gracious goodness toward us ; # that we 
are very members incorporate in the mystical 
body of his Son,f which is the blessed com- 
pany of all faithful people; and also heirs 
through hope of his everlasting kingdom, by 
the merits of the most precious death and 
passion of his dear Son.J 

We are taught by the Church, that it is re- 
quired of those who come to the Lord^s Supper to 
examine themselves, whether they repent them truly 
of their former sins, steadfastly purposing to lead 
a new life, have a lively faith in God's mercy 
through Christ, icith a thankful remembrance of 
his death, and be in charity ivith all men. All 
persons are to examine into the state of their 
souls before they come to the Lord's Supper ; 
because without repentance we are not capable 
of that pardon which is here offered us :§ 
and it is by faith that we discern the Lord's 
body in this sacrament, and receive the 
spiritual benefits it is designed to convey.|| 

The Lord's Supper is not instituted for the 
nourishment of the body, but for the refresh- 
ment of the soul; the soul therefore must be 
put in a proper disposition to receive it, and 



* He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how 
shall he not with him also freely give js all things ? Rom. viii. 32. 

t For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 
Eph. v. 30. 

t And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this 
life is in his Son. 1 John v. 11. 

§ Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with 
the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of 
sincerity and truth. 1 Car. v. 8. 

|| I said therefore unto you, That ye shall die in your sins; for if ye be- 
lieve not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins. John viii. 24. 



lord's supper explained. 21 

feed upon it. It is a lively representation of the 
death of Christ for the sins of mankind ; and 
therefore the soul must possess a just sense 
of the sufferings of Christ and his love to 
mankind, and also an humble and lively faith, 
and hope in his merits. It is an office of praise 
and thanksgiving for the greatest blessings; 
redemption from eternal death; restoration 
to the favour of God, and a title to everlast- 
ing life : to celebrate it aright, therefore, we 
must come prepared with a due senfe both of 
the extreme misery of our condition without a 
Redeemer, and also of the blessings and benefits 
to which we are entitled through Christ. It 
is also a memorial of our deliverance from the 
power of sin, and is the means by which we be- 
come partakers of the spirit of God: we should 
therefore bring with us to this ordinance not 
only a willingness, but a desire for deliverance 
from the power of our sins, and for the assistance 
of God^s holy Spirit to subdue them, with firm 
resolutions to improve his grace. In this holy 
sacrament we behold the supreme claim 
which Christ has to our homage and obedi- 
ence, since he bought us with the price of his 
own blood; and therefore we cannot partake 
of this ordinance aright, without a just sense 
of our obligations to serve and obey him as 
our Lord and Master, and without resigning 
ourselves to his will. The holy sacrament, 
under the most impressive and affecting em- 
blems, sets before us the covenant of mercy and 
pardon, to which God is pleased to admit 



22 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

mankind, on condition of their repentance 
and amendment ; and hence arises the indis- 
pensable necessity of repenting of our past sins, 
and entering into resolutions of obedience for the 
future. In this holy supper we hold com- 
munion with our fellow Christians, as brethren, 
and members of the same body under Christ 
our head ; and hence it follows, that love and 
unity must be necessary qualifications for a 
right participation of this sacred ordinance. 

There >are some persons who are deterred 
from this holy supper by the apprehension of 
the peril of unworthy receiving* The danger 
indeed is great to those who will presume to 
eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, 
rashly and unadvisedly. But their guilt is not 
less, nor their situation less hazardous, who 
persist in disobedience to the last and dying 
command of their dearest Saviour, and reject 
his invitation to partake of so many great and 
spiritual blessings, upon pretence of that dan- 
ger, which it is in their own power to avoid 



* The peril of receiving the Lord's Supper unworthily is heightened, in 
the apprehensions of some persons, by the declaration of St. Paul, (1 Cor. 
xi. 29.) He that eateth and drinketh umcorthily, eateth and drinketh 
damnation to himself. But it is to be observed, that the word damnation 
does not signify eternal condemnation, but (as it is translated in the margin 
of the Bible) temporal judgment. And the unworthy receiving", for which 
the Corinthians were afflicted with temporal judgments, such as sickness 
and death, (ver. 30.) consisted in their making no distinction between the 
Lord' 1 s Supper and a common meal. They did not discern the LoroVs body, 
(ver. 29.) They abused and profaned this solemn institution by gluttony 
and drunkenness, (ver. 21, 22.) and by contentious and factious behaviour, 
(ver. 18.) Christians, in the present day, therefore, unless they, in the 
same way with the Corinthians, contemn and profane the Lord's Supper, 
cannot be guilty of that unworthy receiving mentioned by St. Paul, for 
which the Corinthians sustained not eternal condemnation but temporal 
judgment. 



lord's supper explained. 23 

Our safety, therefore, consists in resolving to 
do the duty required, and to take the best care 
so to prepare ourselves, that the performance 
may be accepted by God.* 

The first duty required of those who come 
to the Lord's Supper, is to repent them truly of 
their former sins. We should examine our 
lives and conversations by the rule of God's 
commandments ;t and whereinsoever we shall 
perceive ourselves to have offended, either 
by will, word, or deed, there we must bewail 
our own sinfulness^ and confess our guilt to 
Almighty God.§ 

Having examined our lives and confessed 
our transgressions, and humbled ourselves 
under the sens'e of our natural depravity and 
actual guilt, we should then turn our thoughts 
upon the only means by which we can be 
redeemed from our sin and reconciled to 
God. The means of our deliverance from 
sin, and restoration to the divine favour, are 
provided in the plan of salvation through 
Jesus Christ. In him we have redemption, even 
the forgiveness of our sins, (Col. i. 14.) Him 
hath God set forth to be the propitiation for our 
sins, (Rom. iii. 25.) He is the Mediator be- 



* But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and 
drink of that cup. 1 Cor. xi. 28. 

t Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Lam. 
iii. 40. 

$ Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to 
repentance. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to 
be repented of: but the sorrow of the world woiketh death. 2 Cor. vii. 
9, 10. 

§ For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. 
Psalm li. 3. 



24 THE SACRAMENT OF THE 

tween God and man. He gave himself a ransom 
for all, (I Tim. ii. 5, 6.) He is our Advocate 
with the Father, (1 John ii. 1.) By his death we 
are reconciled to God, (Rom. v. 10.) He has 
made our peace ivith the Father through the blood 
of his cross, (Col. i. 20.) 

It is a comfort to us, under the burden of 
our sins, to consider, not only that we have a 
Saviour and Redeemer, but that he has given 
humble and penitent sinners the most gracious 
invitations and encouragements to come to him 
for pardon and salvation. Come unto me, says 
the blessed Jesus, (Mat. xi. 28.) all ye that 
labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest. He that cometh to me, I will in no wise 
cast out, (John vi. 37.) And he tenderly de- 
clares, (Luke v. 32.) that he came into the 
world on purpose to call sinners to repentance ; 
and to seek and to save that which was lost, 
(Luke xix. 10.) 

The consideration of these gracious decla- 
rations, and of our own vileness and misery, 
will prepare us to come to Christ with a true 
and lively faith ; neither trusting to our own 
merits, nor distrusting the mercies of God, 
but casting ourselves wholly upon the merits of 
Jesus Christ ; in a steadfast reliance that 
through his blood we shall receive the remis- 
sion of our sins and shall have peace with God. 

But then we must remember that the re- 
demption of Christ consists in his delivering 
us not only from the guilt of our pas\ trans- 
gressions, but also from the power ane domi- 



lord's supper explained. 25 

nion of sin. Christ gave himself for us, not 
only that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 
but likewise that he might purify us unto him- 
self a peculiar people zealous of good* works, (Heb. 
ix. 14.) He ivas manifested, not only to take 
away our sins, but also by his blood to purge our 
consciences from dead works, to serve the living 
God, (Titus ii. 14.) No persons then must 
hope for any benefit from the death of Christ, 
but they who will take the redemption which 
he wrought, whole and entire; and receive 
him as a Saviour, not only from the guilt but 
from the dominion of sin. No one must hope 
for the pardon of his sins, but he who sincerely 
desires to be delivered from their dominion. 

And therefore having begun the work of 
repentance, in the confession of our transgres- 
sions and the humiliation of our souls, we must 
continue and perfect it, by solemnly profess- 
ing, in the presence of God, our earnest 
desires to be delivered from the power of sin, 
and our resolutions, through the assistance of 
his grace, to forsake ungodliness andwordly lusts, 
(Titus ii. 11, 12.) and to live soberly, righteously, 
and, godly, while he shall please to continue 
us in this world. 

When, upon examination, we can humbly 
trust that we truly and earnestly repent of 
our sins, and are in love and charity with our 
neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, 
following the commandments of God, and 
walking in his holy ways, we must then draw 



26 the lord's supper explained. 

near without fear, # and take the holy sacra- 
ment to our comfort; in firm faith that 
Almighty God, for the sake of our blessed 
Redeemer, and the merits of his death, will 
mercifully pardon us, and graciously receive 
us as worthy communicants. 

We should behave with all possible reve- 
rence and devotion, when we present ourselves 
amongst our brethren who come to feed on 
the banquet of that most heavenly food. 
With hearts impressed with penitence, with 
faith, with reverence and love, we should, at 
the altar, give most humble and hearty thanks 
to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, for all the blessings vouchsafed unto 
us, but especially for the redemption of the 
world, by the death and passion of our 
Saviour Christ, both God and man. 



* For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of 
love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. i. 7. 



THE 

WEEK'S PKEPAMATION. 



MONDAY MORNING- 



meditation. 

The Obligation of receiving the Holy Communion stated; and the varices 
Pretences for neglecting it, considered and refuted. 

The holy eucharist is the highest act of 
Christian worship. It is the memorial of the 
passion and death of our blessed Redeemer, 
made before the Almighty Father, to render 
him propitious to us, by pleading with him 
the meritorious sufferings of his beloved Son. 
It is a sensible pledge of God's love to us. He 
hath given his Son to die for us. He hath 
also given the precious body and blood of 
Christ, to be our spiritual food and sustenance. 
The bread of this world, frequently taken, is 
necessary to keep the body in health and 
vigour. This bread of God, frequently re- 
ceived, is necessary to preserve the soul in 
spiritual health ; and to keep the divine life of 
faith and holiness from becoming extinct. 

An ordinance of so sublime a nature, fruit- 
ful of such inestimable blessings, and enjoined 
on us by that blessed Redeemer who laid 



28 MONDAY MORNING. 

down his life for us, one would suppose would 
be highly valued, and gratefully received, by 
all who profess themselves Christians. It is, 
however, a lamentable truth, that the greater 
proportion of them live in the habitual neglect 
of this distinguishing badge of their holy pro- 
fession, the ordinance which unites them to 
their Redeemer, and which is the invaluable 
seal and pledge of his mercy and grace. 

Thou art urged, O my soul, to receive the 
holy communion by the obligations of duty, of 
gratitude, and of interest. 

Duty urges thee; Christ, the Lord and 
Saviour, has commanded thee to receive the 
communion, in remembrance of his death 
and passion. " Do this," says he, " in remem- 
brance of me," (Luke xxii. 19.) Are we 
not bound to revere and cherish, with the 
most sacred fervour, the command of a dying 
friend? And shall we be insensible to the 
pressing injunction of our Lord and Master, 
who, at the moment when he was about to 
lay down his life for us, even for us who were 
his enemies, commanded us to commemorate 
his infinite love? 

The powerful claims of gratitude urge obe- 
dience to his command. Transcendent were 
the love and compassion which he displayed 
for us. " The Son of God, the brightness of 
the Father's glory, humbled himself even to 
the death upon the cross for us, miserable 
sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow 
of death " He instituted and ordained holv 



MONDAY MORNING. 29 

mysteries, as pledges of his infinite love, and 
for a continual remembrance of his death 
and passion. And shall we not gratefully 
commemorate his love towards us, in the way 
that he hath appointed ? Shall we refuse to 
render him even the tribute of thanks for the 
inconceivable sufferings which he endured for 
us, and for the inestimable blessings which he 
purchased for us ? By neglecting the institu- 
ted memorial of his love and mercy, O my 
soul, thou dost say to thy blessed Redeemer, 
I cherish no sensibility for thy sufferings; I 
care not, though the displays of thine infinite 
love be forgotten ; I set no value on the infi- 
nite condescensions of thy mercy. Pause 
and reflect, O my soul, if thou dost neglect 
this sacred ordinance, how great is the guilt 
of ingratitude which thou wilt incur. 

But if duty does not impel, if gratitude can- 
not excite thee, listen, at least, to the calls of 
interest. Consider how many inestimable ben- 
efits are annexed .to this ordinance. The 
pardon of sin; the assistance and consolations of 
God^s Holy Spirit ; and an earnest and pledge of 
a glorious resurrection to eternal life, are the ben- 
efits assured to us by a worthy participation 
of the body and blood of Christ. When, 
therefore, we absent ourselves from the holy 
sacrament, we wilfully deprive ourselves of the 
greatest blessings. Shall not, then, the pow- 
erful considerations of interest urge us worthily 
to partake of an ordinance which rescues us 

from the guilt of sin, from the curse of God, 

3# 



30 MONDAY MORNING. 

from everlasting wo? Shall we deliberately 
contemn the favour of God, the consolations 
and powerful operations of his Spirit, and the 
immortal felicities of his heavenly kingdom ? 
Not less is the folly than the guilt of neglect- 
ing this inestimable pledge of divine mercy, of 
grace, of immortal life and glory. 

Wilt thou urge, O my soul, the cares of the 
world as an excuse for not coming to the holy 
communion ? What ! art thou so engaged 
with worldly business, that thou canst not 
find time to approach this heavenly institu- 
tion? Ah ! remember, they who were bidden 
to the supper in the gospel, (Luke xiv. 16.) 
excused themselves from coming, on the pre- 
tence of their worldly occupations ; and they 
were pronounced unworthy of the heavenly 
feast, because they thus preferred their tem- 
poral business to their eternal welfare. No 
man is rendered unfit for receiving the holy 
sacrament, who pursues the occupations of 
life with moderation and honesty, with a due 
regard to the laws of God, and his good pro- 
vidence over us. Whoever pursues them 
otherwise, disqualifies himself for heaven. The 
hearts of men are apt to dwell too much upon 
the things of this world, and to be engrossed 
with its cares and concerns. God has, there- 
fore, mercifully provided the ordinances of 
the gospel, to raise our souls from the earth, 
and to replenish them with heavenly thoughts 
and desires. It is necessary, therefore, that 
all Christians should attend on the ordinan- 



MONDAY MORNING. 31 

ces of religion, in order that such devout emo- 
tions, such a desire for heavenly enjoyments, 
may be excited in their minds, as shall pre- 
vent them from being buried in the cares and 
pursuits of this life. 

Art thou deterred from the holy commu- 
nion, O my soul, by a sense of thy unworthi- 
ness? But this sense of thy unworthiness, 
when it produces a resolution to forsake thy 
sins, is the first qualification of a devout com- 
municant; for it is the first step towards re- 
conciliation with God. Jesus Christ particu- 
larly invites those who are weary and heavy 
laden with the burden of their sins, and earn- 
estly desire to be delivered from them, to 
come unto him and receive rest. And to 
these humble penitents does he dispense, in 
his holy supper, pardon, comfort, and spiritual 
strength. 

Art thou afraid, O my soul, to come to the 
holy table, because in the daily business of the 
world thou art surrounded with temptations 
which may lead thee to break thy solemn re- 
solutions ? The lawful business of life never 
exposes men to temptations, which they can- 
not, through the assistance of God's grace, 
overcome by care and watchfulness. A view 
of the temptations to which thou art exposed 
should lead thee to the table of the Lord, for 
new supplies of spiritual strength to resist 
them. 

Art thou deterred from this holy sacrament, 
O my soul, by the apprehension that sin com- 



32 MONDAY MORNING. 

mitted after receiving it, will never be for- 
given? Do not thus impiously distrust the 
mercy of God. Through the frailty of thy 
nature, and the manifold temptations which 
encompass thee, thou dost frequently trans- 
gress, and fall short of thy duty. Thou hast, 
therefore, the greater need of that mercy, and 
those succours of grace, which are conveyed 
in the holy eucharist to the humble and peni- 
tent. Be watchful over thy ways; pray for 
the grace of God to enable thee to perform 
thy vows of obedience to him ; strive to get 
the mastery over thy sinful passions ; and then 
come with humble confidence to that holy 
supper which seals to thee the gracious assu 
ranee that thou hast an Advocate with tht 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and that he h 
the propitiation for thy sins. Frequent com- 
melioration of the love of thy Redeemer in 
the holy communion will tend to cherish all 
thy pious graces, and especially that lively 
faith in his mercy which will produce peace 
of conscience, and joy in the favour of thy 
God. 

Do not delay thy reception of the. Lord's 
Supper in the presumptuous expectation of 
being able to receive it on the bed of death. 
Alas ! how canst thou prepare for this holy 
ordinance amidst the pains and agonies of a 
dying bed? How canst thou be certain, that 
death w r ill not suddenly arrest thee ? Do not 
flatter thyself with the uncertain hope of 
length of days, or of such warning of death 



MONDAY MORNING. 33 

as will enable thee to prepare for its sum- 
mons. Enter in earnest, and without delay, 
on the business of salvation. Inform thyself 
in the nature of the holy communion. Make 
suitable preparation for receiving it. Partake 
frequently of this heavenly banquet, during the 
period of health. Thus accustomed to the 
duties and exercises of the Christian life, thou 
wilt be fitted to receive the holy eucharist 
during sickness, or on a dying bed, as thy sup- 
port at this trying hour, as the seal of God's 
pardon, as the pledge of thy triumphant 
passage through the grave and gate of death 
to immortal blessedness and glory. 

Vain are all the pretences which would 
keep thee from the table of the Lord. By 
neglect of this holy institution, thou wilt for- 
feit inestimable blessings, thou wilt incur the 
heaviest guilt. To work out thy salvation, is 
the one thing needful; to secure immortal 
blessedness, an object of supreme importance. 
In tender compassion, the Redeemer hath 
provided, in his holy supper, the means of 
thy reconciliation to thy offended God, and of 
thy restoration to holiness and glory. Im- 
pressed with his infinite goodness, and earn- 
estly desirous to be partaker of his salvation, 
resolve to commemorate his love in his holy 
supper; and receiving in penitence and faith 
the symbols of his body and blood, become 
partaker of his mercy, his grace, his ever- 
lasting glory. 



34 MONDAY MORNING. 

THE PRAYER. 

suited particularly to the State of a Person who, having lived in forgetful- 
nessof God, and in the neglect of his Christian Obligations, is awakened 
to a-sense of his Guilt and Danger, and is desirous to seal his Pardoa 
and Reconciliation with God, in the Holy Sacrament. 

O Lord God, to whom I am bound by the most 
powerful and endearing ties ! For thou art the 
author and preserver of my being, the source of all 
my mercies, my everlasting Redeemer and Judge : 
Thou hast lighted up in my soul those immortal 
powers, by which I am rendered capable of the 
fruition of thee, the fountain of perfection and bliss. 
Thy gracious Providence has conducted me through 
the dangers and trials of life; — thy rich bounty has 
supplied all my wants, and crowned my lot with 
mercy and loving-kindness;— thy unmerited grace 
has offered to me the blessings of everlasting life 
and redemption. O my God ! I acknowledge, that 
the sincere and ardent service of my past life 
would have been a feeble return to thee, for thine 
infinite love. With shame I confess, that even thi? 
inadequate tribute has been withheld from thee 
With shame I confess, that though the solemn en- 
gagements of Baptism were imposed upon me 
and its quickening grace conferred ; though the 
fountain of thy mercy has been opened to me, in 
the sacrament of the body and blood of thy Son ; 
though the sacred obligations and exalted rewards 
of thy service have been continually displayed to 
me, in the ministrations of the sanctuary; though 
thy Providence has called, thy Holy Spirit warned 
me, I have yet continued insensible to the claims 
of thy love, to my own highest duty and happiness. 
O Lord, I have violated the most solemn obliga- 
tions. I have been insensible to the most exalted 
privileges. I have resisted the solicitations of thy 



MONDAY MORNING. 35 

grace, though urged by the precious blood of thy 
beloved Son, which was poured forth a sacrifice for 
my sins. For ever blessed be thy long-suffering 
mercy, O my God ! that thou hast not given me up 
to the fruit of my own tvays, that thou hast not in- 
flicted upon me the punishment due to my ingrati- 
tude and guilt. Blessed be that grace, Almighty 
God, which has awakened me to an apprehension 
of my guilt and danger, to a sense of thine infinite 
claims to my homage and obedience. O do thou 
strengthen my desires of returning unto thee ; my 
humble but earnest resolutions of choosing thee, as 
my satisfying portion. And for as much as thou 
hast opened to the humble and penitent, in the holy 
sacrament of the altar, the renovating fountain of 
grace and mercy, let me not neglect this endearing 
pledge of my Saviour's love. Prepare my heart, 
by the powerful influence of thy grace, for worthily 
receiving the crucified body and blood of my blessed 
Lord. Awaken my contrition, quicken my faith, 
enliven my love, confirm my resolutions of obedi- 
ence ; that going to the altar, relying on my Re- 
deemer's merits and his righteousness, I may 
obtain reconciliation with thee, my God — may re- 
ceive supplies of that quickening grace, which will 
conduct me through the sorrows and temptations 
of this mortal pilgrimage, to the blissful fruition, in 
the heavenly Zion, of the everlasting glories of the 
Godhead; to whom, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
my almighty Creator, my merciful Redeemer, my 
eternal Sanctifier, be ascribed all power and might, 
majesty and dominion, henceforth and for ever. 
Amen. 



36 MONDAY EVENING 

MONDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

The Christian directed in the serious Examination of his Spiritual Charac- 
ter and State, as preparatory to his receiving the Holy Communion. 

Wise is the choice thou hast made, O my 
soul, to serve thy God ; wise thy resolution to 
commemorate, in the holy eucharist, the in- 
finite love of thy Saviour, who, by his death, 
purchased thy redemption, and offers thee, in 
that holy ordinance, all the inestimable bless- 
ings of his passion. 

But recollect, O my soul, that if thou dost 
advance, impenitent, to the supper of thy 
Lord, he will not accept thee as his guest; 
thou wilt not be nourished with that spiritual 
food which diffuses its life-giving power only 
through the heart of the penitent believer. 
The Saviour withholds the blessings of his 
grace from those who, unaffected with the 
condescensions of his mercy, and insensible 
to their own weakness and demerit, approach 
his altar with impenitent and unmortified 
hearts. 

Unless, therefore, I come to the altar cher- 
ishing a lively sense of the weakness and sin- 
fulness of my heart, by which I have been led 
to transgress the holy laws of my God ; deeply 
sensible that the only pledge of my forgiveness 
is the meitorious atonement of my Saviour; 
and steadfastly resolving that, by the aids of 



MONDAY EVENING. 37 

his grace, I will renounce all my sins, and 
faithfully serve him : unless I come to the altar 
in this character of an humble penitent, 1 
must not hope to partake of the blessings of 
salvation; or to experience those divine joys, 
those strengthening succours, which refresh 
the souls of those who, by a true and lively 
faith, spiritually feed on the body and blood 
of their crucified Redeemer. 

To prepare then for partaking of this holy 
ordinance, and to secure the inestimable bless- 
ings which are dispensed in it to penitent be- 
lievers, I must impartially search my heart, 
and faithfully examine the course of my life, 
in order to ascertain my spiritual character 
and state. 

Dispose me earnestly and seriously to enter 
on this examination, Almighty God ; impress 
on me the infinite importance of determining 
the state of my soul — whether I am at peace 
with thee, through penitence and faith in the 
blood of thy Son; or am obnoxious, through 
unrepented sin, to thy just displeasure. Ena- 
ble me, with faithfulness, to search my heart, 
knowing that my eternal destiny depends on 
the issue. Thy powerful grace only can de- 
tect the errors of my life, and strip from my 
heart the veil of self-love which conceals its 
vices. Do thou, therefore, O God, try me, and 
seek the ground of mine heart ; prove me, and ex- 
amine my thoughts, and see if there be any evil 
way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

As in thy presence, and exposed to thy in- 
4 



38 MONDAY EVENING. 

spection, O thou God, who searchest the 
heart, who canst not be deceived, and who 
wilt not be mocked, — as before thy tribunal, 
O thou Sovereign Judge of men, who wilt 
bring to light every secret thing, whether it 
be good, or whether it be evil, do I now seri- 
ously enter on the examination of the condi- 
tion of my soul. Impress on my heart, O 
God, by thy Holy Spirit, the solemn inquiries 
which I now make. May I faithfully answer 
them to my own conscience, as I shall cer 
tainly have to answ T er them at thy tribunal, to 
thee, my Almighty Judge. 



Am I a member of the Church of Christ, 
which he purchased with his blood, which he 
sanctifies with his Spirit, and which, accord- 
ing to his sovereign pleasure, is made the 
channel of his covenanted mercies to a fallen 
world ? 

Have I been admitted to the participation 
of the inestimable privileges of this Church, to 
a title to the forgiveness of sin, to the favour 
of God, to the aids of the Holy Spirit, to an 
inheritance in the kingdom of heaven ; by that 
ordinance, which Jesus Christ, its divine head, 
instituted, the holy sacrament of Baptism ? 

Do I keep up my communion with this 
Church, by devout submission to the minis- 
trations of its priesthood in the orders of 
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, deriving their 



MONDAY EVENING 39 

authority by regular transmission from Jesus 
Christ, the Redeemer and Head of the Church, 
who has promised to be with the ministers ol 
apostolic succession " always, even to the end 
of the world?" 

Have I been diligent in imploring, by earn- 
est prayer, the aids of the Holy Spirit, to ena- 
ble me to fulfil my baptismal vows, "to re- 
nounce the devil and all his works, to believe 
in God, and to serve him ?" 

Have I ratified, in the holy rite of Confir- 
mation, the vows and promises of Baptism, 
receiving, by the ministry of Christ's authori- 
zed servant, the manifold and strengthening 
aids of the Holy Ghost? 

Have all my violations of these solemn en- 
gagements, all my infirmities and sins, been 
cleansed by repentance, and by renewed faith 
in the blood of Christ ? 

Have I frequently contemplated, with deep 
humiliation, the state of depravity and guilt 
in which man is sunk, while destitute of an 
interest in the merits of a Saviour ? 

Have I reviewed, with lively compunction, 
the transgressions which have defiled my con- 
science ? 

In the bitterness of my spirit, have I ac- 
knowledged the justice of God in my con- 
demnation? Have I humbly and fervently 
adored the fulness of his grace and mercy in 
providing for me the means of redemption 
through Jesus Christ ? 

Awakened to a lively sense of my sins. 



40 MONDAY EVENING. 

have I fled, with earnest supplication, to the 
throne of my Almighty Judge, and reverently 
presented there, as the only plea of my for- 
giveness, the meritorious blood of my Re- 
deemer ? 

Has faith opened to me the fulness and 
sufficiency of my Saviour's merits, and con- 
veyed to my troubled conscience rest and 
peace ? 

Have I experienced the power of divine 
grace, in awakening my sensibility to the evil 
and guilt of sin, to the excellence and rewards 
of holiness, and in exciting the resolution to 
renounce all the dictates of my corrupt nature, 
and to devote myself to my God and Saviour, 
in the services of a holy life? 

Am I sincerely desirous, and always ready, 
to partake of the holy eucharist, thereby to 
commemorate the dying love of my Redeem- 
er; to testify my communion with his Church 
and people; to plead before God, for the par- 
don of my sins, the all-prevailing merits of 
his cross and passion; and to refresh and 
strengthen my soul with his most precious 
body and blood ? 



Am I diligent and faithful in all the exer- 
cises and duties of the Christian life ? 

Am I uniform and sincere in the duties of 
private meditation and prayer, in all those 
pious exercises which have a tendency to 
strengthen the reign of grace in my heart ? 



MONDAY EVENING. 41 

Are the services of God's sanctuary the 
source of my most exalted pleasures ? 

Do I with constant and holy desire wait in 
his sacred courts, that I may taste his good- 
ness, and experience his satisfying joys ? 

Sensible of my own weakness, and of the 
dominion of sin in my heart, do I earnestly 
implore the grace of God, and constantly rely 
on the powerful agency of the Holy Spirit, to 
sanctify my soul, to guide, quicken, and pre- 
serve me in my Christian course ? 

In reliance on the aids of this Holy Spirit, 
do I daily endeavour to weaken and subdue 
my sinful passions, to strengthen and exalt the 
holy graces of my soul ? 

Does my humility become more deep, my 
love to God more fervent, my zeal and delight 
in his service more exalted, my faith in my 
Saviour more uniform and supreme ? 

Does my soul glow with gratitude to God, 
my Almighty Maker and Benefactor, Father 
and Friend, for the manifold mercies of life ; 
and, above all, for the unspeakable gift of his 
Son Jesus Christ, for the inestimable blessings 
of redeeming love ? 

In every event of life, do I humbly confide 
in his wisdom, power, and goodness, and 
commit myself to his guidance and disposal ? 

In prosperity am I humble and thankful, 
mindful that every advantage of honour or 
fortune, every talent that distinguishes me 
above others, is the unmerited gift of God, 

4# 



'*2 MONDAY EVENING. 

which I am to employ for his glory and the 
good of my fellow men ? 

When adversity assails me, do I still pre- 
serve my confidence in God, — still bless the 
Lord " who giveth," and humbly bow to the 
dispensations of that infinitely wise and mer- 
ciful God, " who taketh away ?" 

Ever keeping in view the holy pattern of 
my Saviour's life, which I am bound to imi- 
tate, do I constantly endeavour to obey his 
gracious commands ; to become, like him, 
meek and gentle, kind and compassionate, 
patient and long-suffering ? 

Animated by that spirit of love which urged 
the Saviour to pour out his soul a sacrifice for 
the sins of men, do I earnestly endeavour to 
"do good unto all men;" to sooth the bosom 
rent with affliction ; to restore to health and 
gladness the subjects of disease and poverty? 

Sensible of the inestimable value of the 
blessings of redemption, and of the infinite 
importance of the souls of men, do I humbly 
endeavour, by every proper and prudent mean, 
to promote the salvation of mankind? 

Under an habitual sense of my obligations 
to God, of the account I must render to him 
who is the present witness, and who will be 
the final judge of my conduct, do I earnestly 
encieavour faithfully to discharge all the rela- 
tive and social duties of life, of husband and 
wife, of parent and child, of brother and sis- 
ter, of master and servant, of magistrate and 
subject, of neigbour and friend? 



MONDAY EVENING. 43 

Ever mindful that my "body is the temple 
of the Holy Spirit," and that " into the king- 
dom of heaven entereth nothing that is unholy 
and unclean," do I endeavour, by abstinence, 
by prayer, by resolution and watchfulness, to 
mortify my sinful passions; and do I sedu- 
lously avoid every temptation which might 
lead me to violate the laws of temperance, 
soberness, and chastity? 

Considering the present life as a state of 
pilgrimage, the days of which are few, uncer- 
tain, and evil, am I careful not to fix my af- 
fections immoderately upon it ; not to be too 
highly elated with its pleasures, which may 
soon pass away; not to be too much depress- 
ed by its sorrows, which may soon terminate ? 

Does my heavenly inheritance, the eternal 
kingdom of God, with whom there is fulness 
of joy, at whose right hand there are plea- 
sures for evermore, engage my devout con- 
templations ? 

Does the habitual prospect of the eternal 
glories which my Saviour hath prepared for 
me in his heavenly kingdom, animate me in 
the discharge of duty ; elevate my spirit when 
under the pressure of grief; console me under 
the loss of friends and relatives; and raise me 
at all times above the sorrows and trials, the 
scorn and persecution of the world ? 

Is this my situation ? this my spiritual cha- 
racter and state ? these the dispositions of my 
soul ? 



44 MONDAY EVENING. 

That I have been called, from the darkness 
of error and sin, into the light of the gospel 
of salvation ; and restored from the bondage 
of Satan, into the glorious liberty of the sons 
of God, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

That I have been admitted by baptism, into 
that holy church where thy mercy is my 
solace, thy favour my portion, thy grace my 
guide and safeguard, the hope of heaven my 
exalted privilege, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

That, in condescension to the weakness of 
my nature, thou hast instituted sensible memo- 
rials of thy love, and pledges of thy grace and 
mercy; that in the humble participation of the 
ordinances of thy church I can derive light, 
comfort, and salvation, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 



T[ The following paragraph, between brackets, is to be used, when a per- 
son who has lived in transgression of the laws of God, and neglect of his 
Christian obligations, is awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger, and 
is desirous to make his peace with his offended God. And then the suc- 
ceeding paragraphs, to the words " To thee, ever-blessed Jehovah," 
&c. are to be omitted. 

[That, though I have lived wholly regard- 
less of the inestimable privileges of my Chris- 
tian vocation; though by my habitual trans- 
gressions 1 have defied thy power, abused thy 
justice, and contemned thy mercy; though 
the strivings of thy Spirit have been exerted 
in vain, and the precious blood of thy Son 



MONDAY EVENING 45 

been in vain interposed to arrest my rebellious 
career ; — that though my sins have been thus 
multiplied, my guilt thus aggravated^ thou 
hast yet, O God of infinite mercies, displayed 
towards me the riches of thy forbearance; 
that thine arms are yet open to receive the 
returning prodigal who left his father's house 
to riot in the pleasures of a corrupting world; 
that thou dost even prepare for me, to be the 
pledge and seal of my forgiveness, the ban- 
quet of the body and blood of that Redeemer 
whom I have contemned; and art ready to 
apply to my guilty soul my Saviour's merits ; 
that thou hast awakened me to a sense of my 
guilt and danger, and inspired me with an 
earnest desire to enjoy the light of thy coun- 
tenance, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 
[O Lord, arise and save me, and let not 
iniquity prove my ruin.] 

That thou hast quickened me when I was 
careless and forgetful of thee ; and instead 
of giving me up to hardness of heart, to the 
merited punishment of my sins, hast graci- 
ously awakened and restored me ; that when 
sunk under the " grievous remembrance" of 
my sins, and bowed down under their "in- 
tolerable burden," thou didst enlighten my 
soul to discern the riches of mercy and grace 
in Christ Jesus, and enable me joyfully to 
rest in him as wisdom and righteousness, sancti 
jication and redemption, — 
Blessed be thy name, O God. 



46 MONDAY EVENING* 

That I have been excited to choose thee 
O God, as my portion ; that my soul has bee& 
in any degree inflamed with love and grati- 
tude to thee, with trust in thy power and 
goodness ; that the graces of humility, meek- 
ness, purity, and love have in any degree 
established their reign in my heart; that I 
have been enabled to adorn the doctrine of 
God my Saviour, by a virtuous life, and to 
imitate the blessed example of the holy Jesus, 
by doing good unto my fellow men, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

That when, from the infirmities of my na- 
ture, or the predominance of my sinful pas- 
sions, I am led to forget thee, my God, to 
violate my vows of duty, and to put my Sa- 
viour to an open shame by my sins, — thou 
dost not " cast me off for ever," but art still 
willing to be " entreated," and to restore to 
me "the joy of thy free Spirit," — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

That thou art graciously pleased to pro- 
mise to reward my imperfect services, with 
the eternal fruition of the glories of thy pre- 
sence; that amidst the cares, the occupations, 
and the ensnaring pleasures of the world, I 
have been enabled to set my affections on the 
felicities of that heavenly kingdom, for which, 
through thy mercy, I am destined, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

That thou hast provided, for the sustenance 
and refreshment of my frail nature, while I 
sojourn in this vale of infirmity and sin, celes 



MONDAY EVENING. 47 

tial food, even the body and blood of thy cru 
cified Son, spiritually conveyed under the 
emblems of bread and wine ; and that thou 
Jost now invite me to the glorious banquet of 
the Lamb that was slain to redeem me by his 
olood, — 

Blessed be thy name, O God. 

O, while I extol the wonders of thy mercy, 
and gratefully celebrate the triumphs of thy 
grace — may I be excited to aim at the highest 
degrees of holiness and virtue, as becometh 
the redeemed of the Lord. 

Evermore, O Lord, refresh me by thy 
mercy. 

Evermore guide me by thy grace. 



To thee, ever-blessed Jehovah, be ascribed 
all the glory and praise of my redemption. 

For thou, O Almighty Father, didst give for 
me thine only-begotten Son; thou, O eternal Son, 
wast for me obedient to the death of the cross ; 
thou, O Holy Ghost, dost apply to my soul the 
mercies of redemption. 

Glory be to the Father, the fountain of mer- 
cy. Glory be to the Son, the Redeemer of 
mankind. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, the 
guide, the comforter, and sanctifier of the 
faithful 

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power 
be unto our God, for ever and ever. 



48 MONDAY EVENING* 

Alas, O God, the songs of praise must be 
exchanged for the sighs of contrition. 

For to thee, O Lord, belongeth righteous- 
ness; but unto me confusion of face — for I 
have violated thy law. 

When I have done all, I am bound to con- 
fess that I am but an unprofitable servant; 
and must expect the rewards of heaven as 
the free gift of unmerited mercy. 

How much more then am I bound earnestly 
to deprecate the inflictions of thy justice, when 
the course of my life has been marked by many 
ivilful transgressions of thy laws ! 

I will confess mine iniquity. 

1 will be sorry for my sins. 



A CONFESSION OF SIN. 

(From the Liturgy of the Church.) 

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of men ; I ac- 
knowledge and bewail my manifold sins and wick- 
edness, which I from time to time most grievously 
have committed, by thought, word, and deed, 
against thy divine majesty, provoking most justly 
thy wrath and indignation against me. I do earn- 
estly repent, and am heartily sorry for these my 
misdoings ; the remembrance of them is grievous 
unto me; the burden of them is intolerable. Have 
mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, most merci- 
ful Father ; for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake forgive 
me all that is past. To thee only it appertaineth 



N\ 



MONDAY EVENING. 49 

to forgive sins : spare me, therefore, good Lord, 
spare me. My conscience by sin is accused — O 
may I be absolved by the merciful pardon. Lamb 
of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon me ! Lamb of God, who takest away 
the sins of the world, grant me thy peace ! O God, 
whose nature and property it is ever to have mercy 
and to forgive, receive my humble petitions ! and 
though I am tied and fast bound by the chain of my 
sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose 
me, through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. 
Amen. 



THE SUPPLICATION. 

Blessed Lord ! who art ever merciful and gra 
cious, not willing the death of a sinner, but rather 
that he should repent and live; and who hast given 
thine only Son to be a propitiation for the sins of 
the world, that whosoever believeth in him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life ; with the deep- 
est reverence I adore thine infinite love. What is 
man, O Lord, that thou shouldes.t be thus mindful 
of him ? or the son of man, that thou shouldest thus 
mercifully visit him ? O God, I confess and lament 
that I have been insensible to the claims of thy 
love, and, by my aggravated sins, have forfeited all 
title to thy mercy. Blessed be thy name, that thou 
hast laid on Jesus Christ the iniquities of mankind. 
Blessed be thy name, that in him there is mercy 
and plenteous redemption. O make me deeply 
sensible of my need of the merits and grace of my 
Redeemer. Penetrate me with a conviction of my 
weakness and depravity, of my guilt and unworthi- 
ness, that I may be excited fcc flee for refuge from 



50 MONDAY EVENING. 

the wrath to come, to the hope set before me in the 
Gospel. Blessed Jesus ! cleanse me by thy precious 
blood, and sanctify my corrupt nature by thy grace. 
Discerning thy all-sufficiency to save and to redeem, 
may my trust be reposed on thee alone. O merci- 
ful God ! inspire in my heart a supreme concern for 
the things that belong to my eternal peace. May 
the salvation of my soul engross my most earnest 
attention. Impress on me the folly and the guilt 
of sacrificing my immortal interests to the perishing 
pleasures of the world. O do thou quicken in my 
heart, Almighty God, the apprehension of my 
guilt and danger while in rebellion against thee. 
Strengthen the desires which thy grace has awa- 
kened, for that satisfying peace which thou dost 
confer on the humble suppliants for thy mercy. 
And since thou hast instituted ordinances to be the 
channels of conveying thy grace to the soul, may I 
reverently submit to thy appointments, and grate- 
fully seek thy favour, in the way which thou hast 
appointed. To that holy sacrament, where Jesus 
the Saviour dispenses everlasting salvation, may I 
bring a heart humbled by thy grace, affections su- 
premely desirous of the joys of thy love; that thus 
I may be restored to the reconciled countenance of 
thee, my God, through Jesus Christ, my blessed 
Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 



TUESDAY HORSING. 51 



TUESDAY MORNING. 

MEDITATION. 
Man in his Natural State, 

The examination of thy character and 
state, O my soul, should have occupied thy 
deep attention. The inquiry was calculated 
to display, in the most engaging colours, the 
infinite love of God in all his dispensations 
towards thee as thy Creator, thy Preserver, 
thy everlasting Redeemer. Insensible hast 
thou been, if the lively emotions of gratitude 
have not been enkindled by the review. In- 
sensible hast thou been, if the infinite mercies 
which thou hast reviewed, exciting every ten- 
der affection, have not been celebrated in the 
ascription of praise to the greatest and best 
of beings, thy Father, Redeemer, and God. 

Thou hast been exposed to the holy in- 
spection of that God, who brings to light the 
most secret actions. The inquiry in which 
thou hast been engaged, involves thy present 
peace, thy everlasting welfare. If, then, the 
examination has been conducted with that 
solicitude and impartiality which these awful 
considerations are calculated to excite, thou 
hast found, O my soul, that thou art guilty, 
deeply guilty, in the sight of thv holy Judge. 



52 TUESDAY MORNING. 

The searching beams of the Spirit of God 
have disclosed the depths of thy depravity 
and guilt. The view of the infection of sin, 
which diffuses itself through thy powers and 
affections, must have laid prostrate thy claims 
to that purity which rendered thee the delight 
of thy Maker, when at the first his voice 
arrayed thee with the glories of his image. 
Alas ! " How has the gold become dim ! how 
has the fine gold become changed! the crown 
has fallen from my head. Wo unto me, for 
I have sinned !" 

An understanding once enlivened by the 
beams of divine light, no longer intuitively 
discerns the glory of God, and attains a full 
knowledge of his laws. Its powers, enfeebled 
and depraved, are the sport of prejudice and 
passion, which pervert its researches. A will, 
which once followed the enlightened dictates 
of the understanding, and centered all its pur- 
suits in God, as the supreme object of its 
choice, now obeys the dictates of ignoble pas- 
sions. With fearless presumption, it impi- 
ously turns, in rebellion against God, the very 
energies which it holds dependent on his power. 
It wilfully chooses those debasing pleasures, 
which are directly opposed to that divine law 
in which it once placed its perfection and de- 
light. Affections, which glowed with love to 
God, in the fruition of whose favour they were 
rewarded with perfect bliss, are now bound in 
the chains of sensual appetite. Depraved 
and corrupt, they now eagerly pursue the 



TUESDAY MORNING. 53 

perishing enjoyments of sense, and contemn 
the communion which it was once their glory 
to maintain with the source of purity and love. 
Now, disdaining the bliss which flows from 
the light of God ? s countenance, they seek the 
gratification of those grovelling propensities 
which ally the aspiring nature of man to the 
brutes that perish. O my soul ! when I con 
trast the exalted powers which, in thy prime 
val state, conformed thee to the image of thy 
Creator, and admitted thee to the enjoyment 
of his love, with the corrupting passions by 
w T hich thou art now enslaved ; can I wonder, 
that, till restored by his grace to the glorious 
image which thou hast forfeited, thou dost la- 
bour under the weight of his displeasure, un- 
der his awful curse ? 

Abasing to thy pride, painful to thy self- 
love, O my soul, but certain as the oracles of 
truth in which it is revealed, and as that divine 
plan of salvation of which it is the basis, is the 
truth, that human nature is degenerate and cor- 
rupt. When the holy Job, borne down by the 
blaze of divine glory which displayed the cor- 
ruption of his nature, vents his contrition in 
the exclamation, " I abhor myself, and repent 
in dust and ashes ;" when the holy king of 
Israel, awakened to remorse at the view of 
crimes of the deepest dye, which, through the 
rage of fell lust, he had committed, follows 
back his guilt to its source, a degenerate na- 
ture, — declaring in penitential confession, that 
he was " conceived in sin, and brought forth 



TUESDAY MORNING. 



m iniquity ;" when an inspired apostle, tracing 
the assemblage of vices which had brutalized 
mankind, pronounces the alarming declara- 
tion, that " all have sinned, and come short of 
the glory of God," — thou dost hear a truth, 
proclaimed, as it were, by the sacred lips of 
God himself which the view of the world, which 
the history of man, which the testimony of con- 
science irresistibly confirm. 

Sayest thou, man is not a fallen being? 
Trace then his perfection in the world which 
he inhabits. Is it decked with those glories 
which render it a habitation worthy of the 
illustrious being for whose enjoyment it was 
created ? Is the strain of harmony and peace 
poured forth from this august temple, where 
man, pure and perfect, enjoys the smiles of his 
Maker's love ? Ah ! scourged by war, pesti- 
lence, and famine, the earth sends forth the 
sighs and groans of a wretched race; loaded 
with the guilt of human crimes, it trembles 
under the frown of the Almighty; blasted 
often by the lightning of heaven, it waits the 
dread fiat, which will whelm it in destruction, 
for the sin of man. 

Sayest thou, man is a perfect being ? Dis- 
play then his virtues in the records of his 
history. Alas ! these records are dyed in 
blood. They exhibit the portrait of human 
guilt in glaring colours. Do the fair forms 
of justice, benevolence, and mercy rise to 
view, and, extending their benignant reign 
over the human race, pronounce that man i& 



TUESDAY MORNING. £>5 

blest and happy? Does one soul of celestial 
love pervade the family of mankind, united 
by the most endearing ties, by common wants, 
by common feelings, by an exalted and eternal 
destiny ? Ah ! oppression lays her sceptre on 
her sullen victims; ambition erects the tro- 
phies of triumph amidst the ruins into which 
her merciless spirit has swept the proudest 
boasts of human grandeur; the spectre of 
revenge, brandishing the steel streaming with 
gore, urges man to seal the purpose of ven 
geance in his brother's blood. 

Alas ! the world, groaning under the curse 
of God, and waiting the final execution of the 
sentence of his wrath; the history of human 
nature, presenting the dreadful picture of 
crimes and misery, illumined only by some 
scattered rays of virtue and happiness, pro- 
claim the degeneracy, the corruption, the guilt 
of man. 



THE PRAYER. 

Almighty God ! who, at the first, didst create 
man in thine own image, and impress on his soul 
the seal of immortality, if by transgression he has 
forfeited his primeval glories, and sunk his nature 
in sin and misery, on his own wilful folly, and not 
on thy decree, most holy God, be the shame and 
guilt. I acknowledge that I perceive the fatal 
proofs of my degeneracy in my clouded understand- 
ing, in my perverse will, in my corrupt affections. 
I acknowledge that every view which I take of the 



56 TUESDAY EVENING. 

world around me, and of the conduct of my fellow 
men, confirms the humiliating truth. Almighty 
God ! let me not deceive myself in the estimate 
which I form of my spiritual character and state. 
Let me not flatter the vain-glorious emotions of my 
heart, by false ideas of my purity and perfection. 
Let me not seek to cast a veil over the enormity of 
my sins, and thereby weaken the emotions of peni- 
tence, the conviction of my need of the atoning 
merits and purifying grace of my Redeemer. Al- 
mighty God ! search through all the folds of my 
heart ; detect my secret vices ; bring to light my 
errors and transgressions ; expose to my awaken- 
ed conscience all the aggravations of my guilt ; that 
thus humbled, convicted, and alarmed, I may see 
no way of escape from thy displeasure, but through 
the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, my bless- 
ed Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 



TUESDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

Man in his Natural State. 
The subject of the morning' meditation continued. 

Boastest thou, that thou art exempt from 
the stains of guilt which pollute the rest of 
thy race? Bring thy powerful pleas to the 
tribunal of conscience. Estimating highly the 
opinion of the world, perhaps thou hast al- 
ways sought to regulate thy conduct by the 



TUESDAY EVENING. 57 

laws of honour. Calculating from motives of 
worldly prudence, thou hast been, in all thy 
dealings, honest and just. Desirous of the 
applause of men, or, from the impulse of a 
blind sympathy, thou hast been generous and 
charitable. Are these then thy pleas for ex- 
emption from the general sentence of guilt ? 

Carry thy claims to integrity and virtue 
higher. Allow that thou hast been honour- 
able, that thou hast been just, that thou hast 
been generous and liberal, from the best mo 
tives. Allow that no gross crimes have mark- 
ed thy conduct; that thy life, on the contrary, 
merits the reputation of being exemplary and 
upright. Allow that thou hast not obtained 
the homage due to virtue, by imposing on the 
world a correct and honourable exterior, while 
thy principles have been base and sordid. 
Allow that, when urged by interest and re- 
strained by no fear of detection, thou hast not 
secretly practised the arts of injustice and dis- 
honesty, which thou dost affect openly to ab- 
hor. Allow that, while just and true in thy 
intercourse with others, thou hast not been 
regardless of the duties to thyself. Allow 
that thou hast faithfully cherished the virtues 
of temperance, soberness, and chastity; and 
hast never indulged in the secret commission 
of vices which dishonoured thy nature. 

Carry still nigher thy pretensions in the 
scale of virtue. Allow that thou dost cherish 
reverential ideas of the attributes, the provi- 
dence, and the dispensations of God ; that 



58 TUESDAY EVENING* 

thou dost not wilfully profane his name, nor 
speak lightly of his sacred word. Allow that 
thou dost entertain a high esteem for his 
sacred word; defending it, as an excellent 
code of religious and moral duties, against 
the libertine attacks of scepticism. Allow 
that, from some sense of thy obligations to 
God and regard for the order of society, thou 
dost reverence the institutions of religion, and 
attend on the ministrations of the sanctuary. 
Advance thy pretensions thus high : and few 
of those who disclaim the imputation of their 
depravity can advance these bold pretensions. 
They are conceded to thee. These things 
thou hast done. On these thou dost rest thy 
claims to rectitude, to exemption from guilt. 
On these thou dost found a proud title to the 
favour of God.- — O my soul ! before thou dost 
thus presume to encounter the holy inspection 
of thy Almighty Judge, and to stand at his tri- 
bunal on the claims of thy own merit, let thy 
conscience answer for thee, the solemn inqui- 
ry, What hast thou left undone ? 

It is not superficial negative virtue which 
will constitute the perfection of thy nature, 
and satisfy the claims of thy Maker and Judge. 
Thy exemption from guilt, thy claims to inno- 
cence and uprightness, thy pretensions to the 
favour of God, must be founded on a sincere, 
supreme, universal obedience to his laws. 
This obedience is demanded by thy obliga- 
tions, which reason will acknowledge, to de- 
vote to the God that made thee, to the great* 



TUESDAY EVENING. 59 

est and best of beings, thy supreme homage. 
By a powerful dictate of thy nature, thou art 
urged to admire and esteem excellence and 
goodness. Humble and feeble degrees of vir- 
tue in man, attract and receive thy warm 
regard. Oh ! then, are not the most sacred 
fervours of admiration and love justly due to 
that Almighty Being who centres, in an infi- 
nite degree, every excellence in his adorable 
person, and from whom emanates every ray 
of goodness and bliss that illumines the uni- 
verse? On thee, O my soul, this Almighty 
Being has exercised his bounty — thee he has 
crowned with the gifts of his love. To him, 
therefore, thou art bound by the most power- 
ful obligations. From him thou hast derived 
thy existence ; every noble power that exalts 
thee in the scale of being; all those aspiring 
desires, which limit thy powers of enjoyment 
only with the fruition of infinite perfection. 
On him, whose all-pervading spirit sustains 
universal nature, thou art dependent for every 
present enjoyment which swells thee with de- 
light; for every blessing which, in the antici- 
pated fruition, fills thee with transport. — Be- 
hold the claims of God to thy homage and 
obedience. I speak not now of the riches of 
his mercy in Jesus Christ ; I speak not now 
of that infinite compassion which urged the 
Almighty Father to yield his only Son a sac- 
rifice for thy sins ; I unfold not now that stu- 
pendous mystery of love, into which angels 
desire to look, and which their most ardent 



60 TUESDAY EVENING. 

adorations but feebly celebrate. The infinite 
mercy of thy God, who spared thee, the wilful 
transgressor of his law, the contemner of his 
authority and justice, who even gave, for thy 
ransom from that misery and death into which 
sin had plunged thee, his beloved Son — the 
infinite grace of God in thy redemption, con- 
stitutes a claim to love more ardent than thy 
affections, even when inflamed with a coal 
from the altar of heaven, will be able to ren- 
der. But the glory of this redemption is 
raised on the ruins of thy fallen nature ; and 
while thou dost deny, or only imperfectly 
realize, thy guilt, fruitless wouid be the at- 
tempt, by displaying the wonders of redeem- 
ing mercy, to enforce thy obligations to thy 
God. I present, therefore, only the acknow- 
ledged claims of God to thy homage and obe- 
dience ; and say, — if the graces and charms 
of goodness are calculated to command es- 
teem and love; if a dependent creature feels 
deeply seated in his nature a sense of obliga- 
tion to his Maker and Preserver ; — on whom 
should thy supreme love be exercised, to 
whom should thy exalted obedience be ren- 
dered, but to him who, possessing in himself 
infinite perfection and happiness, has display- 
ed on thee the glories of his goodness ? 

Say, then, my soul, hast thou rendered to 
God that love which is, on his part, the claim 
of acknowledged right ; on thine, the dictate 
of generous gratitude and duty? Hast thou 
loved him, as in justice and in gratitude thou 



TUESDAY EVENING. 61 

wast bound, sincerely, supremely* universally ? 
Hast thou considered it as thy highest honour, 
and has it been thy supreme delight, to con- 
template and adore the glorious attributes of 
thy Creator ; reverently and gratefully to trace 
the wonders of his providence and the riches 
of his mercy ? Impressed with his infinite ex- 
cellence, and with a lively conviction of thy 
dependence upon his power and thy obliga- 
tions to his bounty, hast thou uniformly ren- 
dered him the tribute of homage and worship; 
earnestly supplicating his protection, and cele- 
brating the displays of his goodness ? To the 
Almighty Father of Spirits, to him who must 
be worshipped in spirit and in truth, hast thou 
rendered not merely a cold, superficial wor- 
ship, but the lively homage of thy heart ? 
Has sacred communion with thy Almighty 
Father and Benefactor, in the exercises of 
prayer and praise, been observed not only as 
a public tribute, exacted by custom, extorted 
by a sense of decency, and at last rendered 
easy by habit; but has it been the exercise 
and the solace of thy retired hours? Has the 
holy principle of love to God transfused alac- 
rity and delight into every act of obedience 
to him ? Has it been the supreme principle, 
which animated every duty, which prompted 
sincere obedience to all his commands ? Ah, 
my soul, presumptuous self-love has veiled 
from thee thy real character. Thou hast 
been asserting thy rectitude on thy exemp- 
tion from gross crimes, and on thy partial obe- 

6 



62 TUESDAY EVENING* 

dience to the divine commands, while thou 
hast been destitute of that spiritual and univer- 
sal holiness which thy omniscient Judge re- 
quires. Thou hast founded thy claims to 
merit on thy external obedience to the laws of 
God, while thou hast been destitute of that 
supreme love to him which is thy highest duty, 
perfection, and happiness, and which must 
animate even the most exalted acts of virtue 
to render them acceptable in his sight. 

Yes, my God, with deep humility I ac- 
knowledge the presumption which disclaimed 
my depravity and guilt. With deep humility, 
I acknowledge that thy grace has excited 
every emotion to goodness which animates 
my disordered nature. Forgetful have I been 
of thee, when the most powerful obligations, 
and the most tender motives urged my ardent 
love. Thou canst justly claim the sincere 
and universal service of my life : imperfect 
and partial has been my obedience. O God, 
when my omissions of duty thus involve me in 
the deepest guilt, what loud calls for the in- 
flictions of thy justice do my actual trans- 
gressions present. My presumptuous sins rise 
before my dismayed conscience. O, who 
can disclose my secret faults ! Alas, my in- 
iquities are too many to be numbered. Yes, 
my God, from the impure fountain of my 
heart have flowed the noxious streams which 
have debased my nature, and swept away the 
vestiges of primeval glory. "Thou art found 
wanting," — the sentence, marked by the fin- 



TUESDAY EVENING. 63 

ger of thy holiness on the most brilliant vir- 
tues of man, confounds the pretensions of hu- 
man pride. The purest seraph that treads 
thy courts, most holy God, renouncing all 
claim to merit, casts his crown at thy throne. 
What emotions, then, should penetrate a 
worm of the dust, a polluted sinner, when 
he approaches his Maker and Judge ! Ah, 
though arrayed in the righteousness of the 
most exalted saint, when the beams of thy 
glory dart upon me, it will become me, imi- 
tating the abasement of the inspired prophet, 
to lay my hand upon my mouth, and pros- 
trate in the dust to deplore my sins — " Wo is 
me, for I am unclean." 

Contemplate, then, O my soul, with pro- 
found humility, thy awful guilt. Consider thy- 
self as excluded, by transgression, from that 
throne of glory, which, in thy state of inno- 
cence, thou wast permitted to approach* 
Consider thyself, while unrenewed by grace, 
as obnoxious to the displeasure of that God, 
who, from the essential holiness of his nature, 
must ever regard sin with abhorrence. Re- 
volt not against the humiliating conviction of 
thy depravity; presume not to cast thy sms 
on the Being who made thee. Pure and up- 
right thou didst come forth from his hallowed 
hands. But though blessed with his anima- 
ting smiles, though admitted to the vision of 
his glory, though holding blissful communion 
with thy adorable Maker, wilfully yielding to 
temptation, thou didst transgress his com- 



64 TUESDAY EVENING. 

mands. His love infinitely surpassed thy de* 
serts. Transgression had no sooner sunk 
thee into the abyss of guilt, than his mercy 
provided the means of thy restoration. Satan 
had no sooner triumphed in thy fall, and cast 
on thee his chains, than the price of thy ran- 
som was laid on one that was mighty — than 
a glorious Redeemer was provided to destroy 
the power of the adversary. Sin had no 
sooner defaced thy primitive glory, than the 
fountain of grace was opened to renew and 
console thee. Inheriting from the first de- 
generate Adam, a fallen and polluted nature, 
thou mayest derive from thy glorious Repre- 
sentative, the divine Saviour of mankind, par- 
don, holiness, everlasting life. The sacrifice 
of his death, as the sacrifice of an all-perfect 
victim, is infinite in value ; and, extending its 
efficacy to all mankind, restores them to the 
means and hopes of salvation. His quicken- 
ing grace diffuses through the hearts of the 
degenerate offspring of Adam, the cheering 
light which conducts to the reconciled counte- 
nance of their God, — the invigorating strength 
which enables them to render that imperfect, 
but sincere obedience which his mercy will 
accept. 

Thy guilt, therefore, O my soul, is increased 
by thy rejection of proffered grace. Thy con- 
demnation is now aggravated by the impious 
contempt of the mercies of salvation, pur- 
chased for thee by a Saviour's merits, and 
pressed upon thee by the urgent entreaties 



TUESDAY EVENING. 65 

of a Saviour's love. In his state of perfection, 
thy first parent enjoyed the exalted bliss of 
communion with God. But glorious as was 
his state, animating as were his motives to 
obedience, the agonies of a divine Saviour 
consumed as a victim to incensed justice did 
not display to him the awful sanctions of the 
law of God. The glories of the Word made 
flesh, the blessings of salvation which flowed 
from the cross, did not swell his soul with 
the emotions of adoration, did not display to 
his astonished contemplation the surpassing 
condescension and love of the everlasting 
Jehovah. Ah, thy transgressions have cast 
contempt on the glories of the Son of God 
manifested in the flesh, to redeem thee ; thy 
transgressions have repaid with mockery and 
insult the agonizing sufferings by which he 
atoned for thy guilt. Ah, my soul, thy sins, 
committed against brighter displays of glory, 
contemning more tremendous manifestations 
of divine justice, have involved thee in deeper 
guilt than that which crushed, under the curse 
of heaven, the wretched forefather of our race. 
Here then,, my soul, place the basis of thy 
repentance. Let the contemplation of thy 
fallen state excite penitential sorrow. Let 
the view of the ruins in which sin has involved 
thy once glorious nature, excite the lively con- 
viction of thy need of the renovating grace of 
a Redeemer. Arrayed in the garments of 
mercy, he came, the divine Messenger of the 
Father, "to proclaim liberty to the captives. 

6* 



66 TUESDAY EVENING. 

to bind up the broken-hearted, to comfort 
those who mourn." And until thou art sensi- 
ble that the chains of sin enslave thee; until 
the view of the guilt of thy transgressions ex- 
cites the anguish of thy conscience; until the 
just sentence of condemnation passed against 
thee penetrates thy spirit, — thou wilt not sup- 
plicate the saving power of thy Redeemer; 
thou wilt not implore the balm of divine mer- 
cy; thou wilt not seek to wash away the 
stains of thy guilt in the fountain of thy Sa- 
viour's grace. 

Let then the lively sense of thy unworthi- 
ness be ever cherished, O my soul, — to hum- 
ble thee in the sight of God, to awaken the 
fervours of thy repentance, to excite thee to 
seek peace and salvation by a lively faith in 
thy Redeemer's merits. Especially, when 
thou art calied to celebrate his love, and to 
invoke his mercy, in the holy sacrament of 
his supper, be it thy care to form the most 
affecting views of thy lost estate. Who will 
cherish with the most fervent gratitude the 
precious emblems of the Saviour's love ? 
Who will invoke with the most sincere soli- 
citude, that grace which this ordinance was 
designed to dispense? And who will experi- 
ence, in their most exquisite fervours, those 
holy joys, w T hich sometimes lift the soul to 
the city of the living God ? — The humble 
Christian, who, cherishing a deep sense of 
his weakness, his unworthiness, his need of 



TUESDAY EVENING. 67 

mercy and grace, places his trust in that all- 
sufficient Saviour, who gave himself to be the 
life of the world. 

THE PRAYER. 

O God, who art infinitely pure and perfect, and 
in whose sight dwelleth nothing that is unholy or 
unclean ; with deep humility I confess the numerous 
sins which have defiled my conscience, and which 
call for the condemning sentence of thy justice. I 
acknowledge, O Lord, that thy laws are infinitely 
holy, just, and good ; calculated to advance the per- 
fection of my nature, my present peace, and ever- 
lasting welfare. But, though thou hast mercifully 
endued me with that heavenly grace, by which I 
was enabled to work out my salvation, and through 
the merits of my blessed Redeemer, to obtain thy 
favour, with deep humility I confess, that I have 
disregarded the invitations of thy mercy, contemned 
the succours of thy grace, and defied, by wilful 
transgression, the terrors of thy justice. Enlight- 
ened by thy truth to discern the excellence of thy 
righteous laws, and endued with strength to resist 
the temptations which would seduce me from thy 
service, " I have yet done the things that I ought 
not to have done, and I have left undone the things 
that I ought to have done ; and there is no health 
in me." Alas, O Lord, by the numerous deficien- 
cies of duty which have marked my life, by my re- 
peated violations of thy laws, I have incurred thy 
displeasure; I stand condemned at thy tribunal; 
my conscience confirms the justice of that sentence 
which would banish me from thy presence. Bless- 
ed be thy name, thou hast spared me, O God of my 
salvation. In the exercise of infinite love, thou 



68 TUESDAY EVENING. 

hast laid on Jesus, thy eternal Son, the burden of 
my sins. O thou precious Lamb of God, who wast 
wounded for my transgressions, and bruised for my 
iniquities ; whose agonizing sufferings, and all- 
sufficient merits are displayed to the eye of faith, 
in the lively memorials of the altar, hear the sup- 
plications which my soul, bowed down by its guilt 
and unworthiness, directs to thee, for pardon and 
salvation. Grant, O my Saviour, that while the 
emblems of thy sufferings and death forcibly im- 
press on my heart the sense of my guilt, they may 
also be the seals and pledges of the mercy, the 
grace, and favour of my offended God. Holy 
Spirit, the source of quickening grace, whose sa- 
cred office it is to convince of sin, excite in my 
soul the conviction of my weakness and unworthi- 
ness. Blessed Guide and Comforter, lead my 
contrite spirit to repose its full trust in the merits 
of my Saviour. Almighty Father, whose just in- 
dignation I have incurred, cast me not off for ever; 
— listen to the interceding calls of thy mercy, to 
the powerful pleadings of my Saviour's blood, and 
turn from my guilty soul the severity of thy wrath. 
Recovered by thy mercy from the depths of guilt 
and misery, and restored by thy grace to health, 
purity, and peace, be all the glory of my redemp- 
tion ascribed unto thee, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 69 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 



MEDITATION. 

Repentance. 

O my soul, if the conviction of thy fallen 
state, thus established by the declaration of 
God himself, by the view of the world around 
thee, by the history of human nature, by the 
faithful testimony of thine own conscience, — if 
this conviction of thy fallen state has been sin- 
cere, thou wilt perceive the necessity of deep 
repentance. 

How shalt thou express thy sensibility to 
thy demerit, thy sorrow for the sins which 
have roused against thee the wrath of heaven, 
but by humble and earnest confession ? How 
shalt thou awaken the mercy of that God 
whom thy sins have provoked, but by that 
unfeigned sorrow which the true penitent 
cherished ? How wilt thou subdue the pas- 
sions which destroy thy purity and peace, and 
continually plunge thee in transgression and 
guilt, but by the mortification and self-denial 
which are the principal constituents of gen- 
uine repentance? Thy Saviour hath decla- 
red that he came to " seek and to save that 
which was lost." Thy Almighty Judge hath 
pronounced that he dispenses mercy only to 
those " who turn from their wickedness, and 
do that which is lawful and right." Seek to 



70 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

excite then, O my soul, by deep humiliation, 
the compassion of thy Saviour — by the vows 
of obedience which characterize the true pen- 
itent, prove that thou art steadfastly resolved 
to serve thy God, and thus lay thy humble 
claim to his mercy. 

Thou art preparing to participate in that 
holy supper, where thou wilt be admitted to 
intimate communion with thy heavenly Father, 
where thou wilt engage, in the closest inter- 
course of love and duty, with thy blessed 
Redeemer. O consider, how lively should 
be thy contrition, how profound thy abase- 
ment, how universal thy renunciation of sin, 
how firm thy resolutions of obedience, how 
sincere thy repentance — when, by the most 
affecting symbols, thou dost devote thyself to 
thy Redeemer, and implore the mercy and 
grace of the God of thy salvation. 

Art thou then desirous, O my soul, to be 
rescued from that guilt and condemnation 
into which sin has cast thee ? Art thou de- 
sirous to be restored to the enjoyment of the 
reconciled countenance of thy God? Art thou 
desirous to enjoy the pure delight that enli- 
vens the conscience which the blood of the 
Saviour hath cleansed from guilt ? Art thou 
desirous to experience the powerful efficacy 
of that body and blood, by which Jesus re- 
deems his penitent people ? Art thou desirous 
to enjoy the refreshing grace of thy Almighty 
Saviour ? Let thy most vigorous exertions be 
roused; let thy most fervent prayers be di- 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 71 

rected to heaven, for the attainment of that 
evangelical repentance which is the only pass- 
port to purity and peace, to the mercy of thy 
Redeemer, to the favour of thy God. 

Examine, then, faithfully, my soul, the cha- 
racteristics of thy repentance. Recall to view 
the properties of this evangelical grace. Re- 
collect, there are counterfeits of repentance, 
by which many flatter and fatally deceive their 
own hearts. Ah, when God, inflexible and 
holy, sits in judgment on the soul, he will in- 
stitute a scrutiny which will confound the 
hopes of the hypocrite. Holy Spirit, repen- 
tance is thy gift — quicken its holy exercises 
in my soul. 

That thou mayest, in the awful day of retri- 
bution, escape the condemning judgment of 
God, investigate now, my soul, faithfully and 
seriously, the characteristics of thy repentance. 

It is not sufficient that thy repentance should 
be founded solely in an awful apprehension of 
divine wrath. In a certain degree, and within 
certain bounds, an apprehension of the inflic- 
tion of divine justice due to sin, is not only ne- 
cessary to call forth the conviction, the sor- 
row, and the zeal of the penitent ; but it is also 
the powerful principle which corrects the fer- 
vours of love, and which may at times ani- 
mate the obedience of the confirmed Christian. 
For that exalted fear of God, which lies at the 
foundation both of the contrition of the peni- 
tent and the homage and duty of the Chris- 
tian, in some degree arises from a lively and 



72 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

awful impression of the inflexible justice of God, 
of the wrath which will overwhelm the con- 
temners of his laws. What emotions of reve- 
rence should confound a worm of the dust, a 
polluted sinner, when he contemplates that 
holiness and justice, which encircle the throne 
at which he is to receive his eternal doom ! 
Into the emotions of penitence, therefore, an 
apprehension of divine wrath, arising from the 
view of the justice, holiness, and power of 
God, and of our guilt and demerit, may justi- 
fiably enter. But when it is the sole, or even 
the dominant principle, it destroys the puri- 
fying and consoling efficacy of repentance. 
For a repentance which is founded only on 
an apprehension of divine wrath, is selfish 
and disingenuous in respect to its motives; 
it will also be feeble and superficial in its 
sacrifices and in its services. When uninfluen- 
ced by other more ingenuous and noble mo- 
tives, a repentance characterized by the fear 
of divine wrath regards only the consequences 
of sin as incurring punishment, and keeps out 
of view its more aggravated characteristics, 
its ingratitude, its baseness, its criminality. 
This kind of repentance, therefore, may very 
well comport with an insensibility to the de- 
formity of sin, and to its guilt as the violation 
of the law of God, the just and holy Judge of 
the world. A penitent, influenced only by an 
awful apprehension of divine ivrath, will be earn- 
estly anxious to avert the penalties of sin, but 
will not be solicitous to avoid the commission 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 73 

of it. Cherishing his sinful passions, he will 
merely aim at those partial sacrifices, at that 
superficial obedience, by which he hopes to 
elude the sentence which God will pronounce 
on the presumptuous sinner. Unaffected by a 
sense of the evil of sin, and devoted to licen- 
tious enjoyments, he would riot in sensual in- 
dulgence, did not the apprehension of divine 
indignation arrest his guilty passions. His 
soul still retaining its aversion to holiness and 
virtue, — his is the repentance of unsubdued 
guilt, of terrified remorse : like the repentance 
of condemned spirits, who, trembling under 
the chains of hell, and consumed by its fires, 
seek a suspension of their torment, only to 
hurl their vengeance against the throne of 
heaven ! Oh ! what an insult is this base re- 
pentance to God, whom its slavish fears re- 
gard as a merciless tyrant ; and who, it im- 
piously supposes, will be satisfied with that 
hypocritical expression of sorrow which is 
extorted by the terrors of his justice ! How 
unworthy is this degenerate repentance of the 
devout communicant, who, in the sufferings 
of his Saviour, portrayed in the emblems of 
the altar, beholds an excitement to the most 
lively and ingenuous sorrow ! 

It is not even enough that repentance should 
be founded on a view of the evil of sin as de- 
structive to the purity and peace of the soul. 

The purity and peace of the soul are in- 
separably connected, by the constitution of 
human nature, and by the appointment of 

7 






74 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

God, with obedience to his laws. Obedience 
to the decrees of the infinite source of per- 
fection and power constitutes the harmony of 
the universe. Obedience to the will of the 
eternal fountain of intelligence and goodness 
constitutes the bliss of those countless myriads 
of spirits who encircle the throne of Jehovah, 
adoring his transcendent glory. Only in a 
conformity to the image, and in a sincere obe- 
dience to the will of his eternal Lawgiver and 
Judge, will man find pure and perfect bliss. 
All the powers of his nature tend to the eter- 
nal fountain of perfection as the centre of their 
enjoyment. In proportion as they are exer- 
cised upon God, as they are regulated by his 
will, and as they are enlivened by the smiles 
of his favour, will be the happiness of man in 
the present life, and his capacity for the fru- 
ition of the blissful presence of his God in the 
life to come. When, therefore, thou dost con- 
sider, O, my soul, that by disobedience to the 
laws of God, thou hast forfeited thy claim to 
his favour; and that, in departing from the in- 
finite source of perfection and goodness, thou 
hast forsaken the " fountain of living waters," 
and hast sought to gratify thy desires at the 
unsatisfying " cisterns" of worldly pleasure — 
when thou dost contemplate the disorder in 
which sin has cast thy once perfect powers — 
when, convicted and alarmed, thou dost con- 
sider the infamy, the guilt, the misery which 
attend the indulgence of unholy passions — 
thou dost behold the most powerful motives to 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 75 

deep humiliation, to lively sorrow. But, even 
here, the glow of contrition is tarnished by the 
selfish principle by which it is excited. Trans- 
gression has destroyed thy peace, has cut thee 
off from the divine fountain of felicity, has de- 
based thy powers, has blasted thy enjoyments. 
Dishonour, misery, and destruction, are the 
fruits of thy sinful course. Here there is not a 
motive to repentance which does not termi- 
nate in self, which does not draw all its force 
from a regard to thy own welfare. Ah, if in- 
deed the consequences of sin involved only 
thy own purity and peace, motives drawn from 
these considerations would constitute the sole 
springs of thy repentance. But thy transgres- 
sions have defied the authority, and have con- 
temned the mercy of thy God and Saviour. 
There are, therefore, motives to contrition still 
more noble — motives more worthy of those 
ingenuous emotions with which the penitent 
should commemorate, in the holy supper, the 
infinite love of his Redeemer. 

Thy penitential sorrow, therefore, should be 
founded on a deep sense of the evil of sin, as 
a presumptuous contempt of the righteous authority 
of God. 

Consider that, as the infinite source of per- 
fection, power, and goodness, he justly claims 
the homage of the universe. Consider that 
his omnipotent hand sustains and governs all 
things; himself the sovereign Lord of nature. 
Consider that the object of that dominion 
which he exercises over the world, is the ad- 



76 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

vancement of the purity and happiness of all 
the orders of intelligent creatures. Consider 
that, as thy eternal Maker, thy omnipotent 
Lawgiver, thy just and holy Judge, he claims 
thy supreme, thy uniform obedience. Ah, by 
transgression thou hast impiously refused to 
render that homage which universal nature 
offers to its omnipotent Maker and Lord — By 
transgression thou hast spurned thy depen- 
dence on that almighty arm which preserves 
thee in being, and which, in a moment, could 
crush thee into the dust, whence it raised thee 
— By transgression thou hast revolted against 
\he righteous dominion of the Sovereign of the 
universe, and sought to defeat the beneficent 
purposes of his sway — By transgression thou 
hast defied the infinite power of thy Maker, 
thou hast contemned the righteous mandates 
of thy supreme Lawgiver, thou hast raised 
the arm of defiance against the omnipotent 
Judge of heaven and earth. Oh, by what pro- 
found contrition must thou seek to avert the 
wrath which impends over thy rebellion ! 

Until we are deeply impressed with the su- 
preme claims of God to our homage and obe- 
dience ; until we discern and acknowledge his 
power, his justice, and his holiness; the awful 
presumption of sin, as a contempt of his au- 
thority, will not be displayed in full force. The 
throne on which God exercises the dominion 
of the universe, is founded on his inviolable 
holiness and justice. To resist his authority, 
to violate his laws, is therefore presumptuous- 



WEDNES1AY MORNING. 77 

ly to contemn these exalted attributes, and to 
rebel against that righteous government, the 
subversion of which would overwhelm the pu- 
rity and glory of the universe. The true pen- 
itent, therefore, will humbly acknowledge, that 
his guilt is aggravated by the contempt of the 
authority of God with which it is marked. 
Casting his eyes on the sacrifice of the altar, 
he will behold, in the agonies of the almighty 
victim, there immolated under affecting sym- 
bols, the infinite price which God exacted, as 
the vindication of his violated authority, and 
the enormity of that guilt which rendered an 
infinite sacrifice necessary. At the altar, 
therefore, the devout communicant will, in 
profound abasement, adore the sovereignty 
of God, and pour forth his penitential sorrow 
for his presumptuous violations of the laws of 
the righteous Maker and Judge of the world. 
The view of sin, which is calculated to awa- 
ken in the penitent the most lively conviction 
of its baseness and enormity, and to excite a 
generous sorrow, has not yet been displayed. 
To all the other powerful aggravations of sin 
will be added the characteristic of base insen- 
sibility and ingratitude, when the penitent re- 
gards it as a deliberate and wilful contempt of the 
infinite mercy and love of God. That by trans- 
gression we have incurred divine wrath ; that 
by transgression we have destroyed our purity 
and peace ; that by transgression we have de- 
fied the righteous and beneficent authority of 

God— are considerations powerfully calcula- 

7# 



78 WEDNESDAY MORNING, 

ted to display the evil of sin, and to excite 
profound sorrow for it. But the affecting 
consideration, that by transgression we have 
discovered base insensibility to the goodness of 
God, and ungratefully contemned his infinite love, 
displays, in its full enormity, our guilt, and con- 
stitutes the most ingenuous source of true re- 
pentance. Yes, my soul, thou hast withheld 
the tribute of just and generous homage from 
that glorious Being who centres in himself all 
loveliness and perfection. Thou hast with- 
held the tribute of just and generous gratitude 
from thy Almighty Father, Preserver, and 
Benefactor, — -who has guided and defended 
thee when helpless and exposed, — who has 
cherished thee with an affection which even 
thy neglect and insensibility could not over- 
come, — who has crowned thee with mercy 
and loving-kindness, — who has provided for 
thee an eternal and glorious destiny beyond 
the grave. Ah, thou hast not only been defi- 
cient in the exalted acts of gratitude and duty. 
By repeated and ivilful transgressions of his com- 
mands, thou hast discovered indifference to his 
love, and contempt of his mercy. Thou hast 
even slighted the most exalted display of his 
goodness, the gift of his only Son to redeem 
thee. Oh, my soul, thsu hast sinned, not 
against a hard and cruel master, whose ser- 
vice was burdensome and without reward ; not 
against a merciless sovereign, who ruled thee 
with the sceptre of wrath ; but against th) 
most compassionate Father, thy most gent- 



WEDNESDAY MORNING. 79 

ious Benefactor, thy most tender Friend; 
against that merciful Redeemer, who shrunk 
not from the ignominy of the cross to pur- 
chase thy redemption. Oh ! what emotions 
of ingenuous sorrow will agitate the bosom of 
the sincere penitent, when he beholds, in the 
transcendent love of his Redeemer and God, 
the representation of his ingratitude and guilt ! 
Penetrated with disinterested sorrow, he will 
humble his soul in the deepest contrition; and 
by the fervours of his repentance, seek to tes- 
tify that he is, at last, awakened to the affect- 
ing force of those infinite mercies which he so 
long contemned. 

The sacrifice of the altar was designed to 
convey a lively representation of the suffer- 
ings and death of Christ. The altar, there- 
fore, is the throne where the sincere penitent 
will pour forth the confession of his sins. 
When, prostrate before its hallowed symbols, 
he beholds the body of his Saviour broken 
and bruised, and the precious blood of the 
Lamb of God shed forth as an atoning sacri- 
fice, the enormity and guilt of his sins, which 
could so long resist and contemn the infinite 
love of his Redeemer, will dissolve his soul in 
ingenuous and fervent penitence. 



THE PRAYER. 



O eternal and Almighty God ! whose authority 
1 have violated, whose power I have defied, whose 
justice I have contemned, whose mercy J have re- 



80 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

sisted, by my repeated and aggravated transgres- 
sions — sensible of my baseness, my presumption, 
my ingratitude and guilt, I now humbly cast myself 
at the throne of thy mercy, and implore thy forgive- 
ness. O thou Father of mercies, whose compas- 
sions fail not, whose love and pity cannot be subdued 
by the ingratitude and sins of man, vouchsafe to par- 
don and bless the unworthy sinner who sees no re- 
fuge from the just sentence of condemnation, but in 
the gracious overtures of salvation which thou hast 
proclaimed through Jesus Christ, the Son of thy 
love. Praises evermore be ascribed unto thee, that 
thou hast declared thou art willing to accept, through 
Jesus thy Son, the imperfect but sincere repentance 
of the awakened sinner. O do thou inspire in my 
heart that humble, lively, and ingenuous contrition 
which is alone thy gift. Spirit of the Father ! foun- 
tain of quickening grace ! awaken in me a deep 
sense of the evil and guilt of my sins, that with hum- 
ble and earnest sorrow I may deplore and confess 
them. Set before my conscience the terrors of that 
wrath to which sin renders me obnoxious, the de- 
grading impurity and misery in which it has plun- 
ged me. But, oh ! let the liveliest emotions of sor- 
row arise from the view of my guilt and ingratitude, 
in having contemned the righteous authority, the 
infinite mercies of my God and Saviour. Almighty 
God, let me not seek to extenuate the guilt of my 
transgressions, or to offer to thee an imperfect re- 
pentance. But mercifully grant, that, humbly de- 
ploring my guilt, and confessing my un worthiness, 
I may approach to thy holy altar, and there be re- 
stored to thy reconciled countenance, through the 
prevailing merits and efficacy of the body and blood 
of him who died for my gins, Jesus Christ, my Lord 
and Redeemer. Amen. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING, 81 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

Resolutions of obedience. The invigorating and sanctifying agency of the 
Holy Spirit. 

The important object of repentance, to 
which indeed all its genuine exercises tend, is 
the restoration of the soul to holiness. We 
can have no claim to the favour of a just and 
holy God ; we are not indeed capable of en- 
joying the pure and perfect bliss of his pre- 
sence, until the dominion of sin is subverted 
in our hearts ; until we are reinstated in the 
graces of the divine image. Every expression 
of repentance is vain and presumptuous, un- 
less it proceeds from a heart supremely desi- 
rous to be released from the dominion of sin- 
ful passions — and to obtain that purity which 
only conducts to the favour of God, to satisfy- 
ing peace, to unfailing joy in his presence. 
" Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." 

To release us from the bondage of sin was 
the object which brought down from the man- 
sions of bliss the eternal Son of the Highest. 
It was the object for which he promulgated 
his divine instructions, and for which he dis- 
played the example of a spotless life. It was 
the object which animated all his labours; 
which conducted him, cheerful and triumph- 
ant, through his bitter sufferings. It was the 



82 WEDNESDAY EVENING* 

object for which he finally shed, on the cross 
that precious blood which was to be the seal 
and the means of our deliverance from sin, 
for which he poured forth the Holy Spirit to 
sanctify our degenerate nature. While, there- 
fore, unholy passions enthral us ; while we are 
destitute of those virtues by which we must be 
qualified for everlasting happiness — in vain for 
us will the Son of God have published his di- 
vine instructions— in vain for us will he have 
displayed his glorious example — in vain for us 
will he have triumphantly sustained the suffer- 
ings and death of the cross— -in vain for us will 
he have purchased the renovating gifts of the 
Holy Spirit. Ah, these powerful aids and mo- 
tives to holy obedience, perverted and con- 
temned, will strip us of all excuse for our im- 
penitence ; will silence the pleas by which we 
may seek to extenuate our continuance in sin; 
and will arm with heavier vengeance the sen- 
tence of almighty justice. 

Contemplate, O, my soul, the import of the 
holy rite which thou art to celebrate. Con- 
template the lively exhibition which the sacri- 
fice of the altar affords, both of the inflexible 
justice of God, and his infinite mercy. Contem- 
plate, under the affecting symbols there exhi- 
bited, the love of the Saviour, who exposed 
himself to the fires of divine justice to avert 
from thee their fury. And if, after this awful 
and affecting exhibition, no desires are awa- 
kened to be delivered from the dominion of 
those sins which called forth the wrath of 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 83 

heaven on thy innocent Redeemer — if, after 
this penetrating view, no desires are excited 
to testify, by thy vows of love and duty, thy 
gratitude to thy God and Saviour; to obtain, 
by a life of holy obedience, the enjoyment of 
their favour, — thou art utterly unworthy to 
partake of an ordinance, to the exalted ten- 
dency of which thou art entirely insensible— 
thou art utterly unworthy to receive those in- 
estimable communications of mercy and grace, 
which, in this sacrament, are granted to the 
prayers and vows of the humble and faithful 
Oh ! to receive the body and blood of the Sa- 
viour into a heart, which, cherishing unholy 
passions, contemns his authority and mercy, 
and erects the throne of rebellion against him, 
— would display a presumption deserving the 
most severe punishment which infinite justice 
can inflict. 

By every consideration which awakened thy 
lively sorrow for sin, thou art excited, O, my 
soul, to the most earnest desires to be rescued 
from its dominion — thou art urged to the most 
zealous vows of duty and obedience. How canst 
thou expect to escape the wrath of God, while, 
by cherishing thy sins, and persevering in re- 
bellion against him, thou dost expose thyself 
to his just displeasure ? How canst thou ex- 
pect to enjoy that peace which diffuses its en- 
livening influence only through the conscience 
that is redeemed from guilt, when thou dost 
cherish those unholy passions which produce 
anxiety and remorse ? How canst thou ex- 



84 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

pect to avoid the guilt of rebellion against the 
righteous authority of the Sovereign of the 
universe, when the sensual passions which 
rule in thee bear testimony, that thy expres- 
sions and vows of penitence are insincere, 
that thou dost oppose the just claims of God 
to thy obedience ? How canst thou avert the 
opprobrium of the basest insensibility and in- 
gratitude, while the display of the mercies of 
God, and of the riches of his love towards thee 
in Jesus Christ, cannot induce thee to relin- 
quish the sins which are daily abusing his mer- 
cy, which are daily renewing the pangs that 
rent the bosom of thy Saviour? Ah, my soul, 
while sin reigns in thy affections ; while wilful 
violations of the laws of God defile thy con- 
science; though thy pretended sorrow should 
burst forth in reiterated confessions and sup- 
plications, thou art still obnoxious to divine 
wrath — still the slave of degrading pleasures — 
still exposed to the pangs of apprehension and 
remorse : — thou art still the presumptuous 
rebel against the authority of God, the guilty 
contemner of his love. 

There is no way in which thou canst prove 
that thy repentance is genuine, in which thou 
canst obtain a title to the love and favour of 
God, or in which thou canst prepare for being 
a worthy guest at the table of the Lord, but 
by earnest and uniform desire to be delivered 
from the dominion of sin, by sincere vows of 
obedience to thy God and Saviour. 

Let, then, thy desires to be delivered from 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 85 

the dominion of sin, and thy vows of duty and 
obedience, be sincere and lively. 

If in proportion to the disgrace and misery 
of the evils that oppress us, should be the sin- 
cerity and warmth of our desires to be relea- 
sed from them; deliverance from the degra- 
ding and miserable bondage of sin should 
awaken the most sincere and lively desires of 
our hearts. If in proportion to the magnitude 
of the favours which we have received from a 
benefactor, and the value of the blessings 
which he has still in store for us, should be 
the sincerity and ardour of our devotion to 
him; the vows of obedience to our heavenly 
Father and Redeemer, who is the source of 
all our blessings, and of all our hopes, should 
awaken the highest fervour of our affections. 
From a dominion that destroys our purity and 
peace, we seek to be delivered. To a merci- 
ful and gracious God, who is worthy of our 
highest homage, and who claims our most ar- 
dent gratitude, we are to vow allegiance. The 
most splendid object of worldly desire sinks in 
the comparison with the concerns of our eter- 
nal destiny. Desires and resolutions, if possi- 
ble, infinitely more ardent than those which 
impetuously urge us in the pursuit of worldly 
enjoyments, should be devoted to the attain- 
ment of that spiritual redemption, of that fidel- 
ity and zeal in the service of God, which are 
the only pledges of our peace. Thy desires 
and resolutions, O, my soul, are to be offered 
up to a God who searches the heart; who, 

8 



86 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

jealous of his honour, and claims of his au- 
thority, will resent and punish the hypocritical 
and superficial professions of love and obedi- 
ence. Thinkest thou he will behold thee 
panting with desire in the pursuit of worldly 
pleasure, vowing ardent devotion to the idols 
of honour and wealth; and when to him thy 
most sincere love, thy most zealous obedience 
are due, be himself content with the feeble 
homage of affections which are wasting their 
fervours on debasing and transitory gratifica- 
tions ? View the prodigies of love in the suf- 
ferings and death commemorated on the altar. 
Contemplate the blessings of that spiritual 
banquet which a merciful Redeemer hath pro- 
dded. Redemption from sin and its pangs ; 
restoration to the favour of God, and the 
never-failing consolations of his love ; purity 
of heart, and the inexpressible peace which is 
always its attendant ; communion with God, 
and the divine pleasures which he pours 
upon the soul; a lively foretaste of the joys 
of heaven, — these are the exalted blessings 
which, in the spiritual banquet of his body 
and blood, the love of thy Saviour has prepa- 
red for thee. Impenetrable and hardened art 
thou, if blessings thus exalted do not excite 
thy most ardent desires; lost to every amia- 
ble feeling, and deserving of the wrath of 
heaven, if, at the very moment when thy Sa- 
viour displays the depths of his sufferings, and 
offers thee the eternal blessings which were 
purchased by them, thou canst repay his love 
with superficial vows of duty. 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 87 

It is not enough that thy desires and reso- 
lutions be lively and sincere; they must be 
uniform and universal. 

Those desires and resolutions cannot be 
sincere, which, while they urge us to make 
partial sacrifices to the laws of God, still seek 
to retain some favourite gratifications. Those 
desires and resolutions cannot be sincere, 
which are only occasionally and rarely exerted 
The ardours of holy desire and resolution 
should glow with steady and uniform fervour. 
No temptations, however seducing, should 
damp them ; no duties, however difficult, 
should arrest them. The true penitent, who 
is awakened to a due sense of the immense 
debt of gratitude which he owes to his Al- 
mighty Father and Redeemer, will not mea- 
sure his obedience by the cold calculations of 
selfish policy. His vows of duty will burst 
forth from a heart beating with grateful love. 
His vows of obedience will embrace all the 
sacrifices to which devotion to his blessed 
Lord may call him. They will extend to 
every act of duty by which he may advance 
the honour of his Redeemer and God. 

Let, then, thy most ardent desires, O my 
soul, be uniformly exerted for deliverance from 
the dominion of sinful passions, and for a re- 
storation to the image of thy Maker. Offer 
not to God resolutions of duty, the fruit of 
transitory glows of feeling. Let thy vows of 
allegiance be founded on a deep conviction 
of the obligations that should bind thee to 



88 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

him, of the ennobling nature of his service, and 
of its glorious rewards. Except not from thy 
vows of obedience any precept of thy Saviour, 
though it may require thee to relinquish the 
indulgence to which thou dost cling with su- 
preme affection. Resolve on that universal 
obedience to his commands which he requires, 
and which alone he will accept. Then " shalt 
thou not be confounded, when thou hast re- 
spect unto all his commandments." When 
disposed to murmur at the severity of the sac- 
rifices to which he calls thee, at the extent 
and difficulty of his service, cast thy view 
upon the altar, contemplate the number and 
poignancy of his sufferings for thee, explore 
the riches of his mercy and grace — and blush 
that thou hast for a moment indulged an un- 
grateful murmur; lament the inadequacy of 
thy most zealous services to repay the debt of 
love, and offer to the gracious Redeemer, who 
bought thee with his blood, the best tribute 
thou canst render, though insufficient and un- 
worthy — zealous and uniform obedience to all 
his commands. 

Thy desires for redemption from the domi- 
nion of sin, and thy resolutions of obedience, 
must be accompanied with thy own vigorous 
exertions, and with the diligent use of all the 
•means of grace. 

To work out thy salvation is, indeed, the 
business that should occupy thy supreme care. 
Consider how potent the sway which sin main- 
tains over thy affections. Consider how deep 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 89 

the stain of iniquity which is to be washed 
away. Consider how strong the chains of 
corrupt passion from whose thraldom thou 
art to be freed. Consider how holy the gra- 
ces with which thou must be invested. Con- 
sider how extensive and important the circle of 
duties thou must resolve to discharge. Cr 
sider how many sacrifices must be made, how 
many obstacles must be surmounted, in that 
course of holy obedience to God which thou 
art bound to render. Wilt thou indulge the 
expectation, that to fulfil these momentous 
engagements, feeble and occasional efforts 
only will be necessary ? Wilt thou hope to 
subdue the dominion of sensual passions by 
those slight exertions which thou wouldest 
deem it folly to apply to any temporal enter- 
prise that was difficult or hazardous ? Ah, the 
new and holy life, at which thou must aim as 
the only pledge of thy salvation, is opposed to 
the most powerful propensities of thy fallen 
nature, to the spirit of a corrupt world, to the 
pleasures which from a thousand quarters as- 
sail thee with their insinuating solicitations. 
Oh ! what vigorous exertions, what bold reso- 
lution, what determined courage will be ne- 
cessary to surmount the obstacles which will 
oppose thee in thy Christian course, and to 
enable thee to persevere, with unshaken fidel- 
ity, in the service of thy God. The utmost 
strength which thou wilt be able to bring to 
the contest with thy spiritual enemies, the 
most vigorous exertions which thou wilt be 

8 # 



90 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

able to engage in the discharge of the high 
duties of the Christian life, will prove vain, 
unless invigorated by the diligent use of the 
means of grace. By devout reflection on the 
ennobling privileges of thy holy vocation ; by 
the serious perusal of the pages of divine 
truth ; by humble and regular attendance on 
the ministrations and ordinances of the sanc- 
tuary, where the God of grace is ever ready to 
bless his penitent worshippers; above all, by 
frequent and earnest prayer for the influences 
of the Holy Spirit; — by these pious exercises 
only wilt thou be able to advance in the course 
of holiness, with that increasing zeal which 
will insure success. Under the guidance of 
the Holy Spirit, thou mayest attain the most 
exalted heights of Christian virtue, but " with- 
out him thou canst do nothing." The grace of 
God is sufficient for the most difficult trials — 
his strength will be gloriously perfected in the 
weakness of the most humble of his children. 
By his almighty Spirit, " the whole body of 
the Church is governed and sanctified." The 
work of sanctification, by which the soul is 
redeemed from sin, and reinstated in the di- 
vine image, is, in its commencement, its pro- 
gress, and its consummation, conducted by 
the agency of the Spirit of God. Not inde- 
pendently on human exertions, but through their 
instrumentality, does this blessed Spirit effect 
the renovation of the soul. Work out your 
salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God 
who worketh in you both to will and to do. In- 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 91 

scrutable, but claiming our supreme adora- 
tion and gratitude, is the wonderful method 
by which God accomplishes our redemption. 
The Spirit of the Most High descends and 
dwells in corrupt and fallen man. O my soul, 
let the unsearchable wisdom of God prostrate 
the doubts of thy erring reason. Let not that 
mysterious agency, by which thy redemption 
is effected, excite thy scorn. Justly due to 
God is the tribute of profound gratitude, that 
by the incomprehensible but powerful com- 
munion of his Holy Spirit with thee, he pours 
light and glory on thy blind and corrupt affec- 
tions. Humbly and thankfully embrace the 
proffered grace of God. Fervently and un- 
ceasingly implore its sanctifying influences. 
Relying on its powerful succours, aim at sub- 
duing every depraved passion; vow eternal 
allegiance to the Lord thy God ; resolutely 
engage in that life of holiness to which thy 
Saviour's commands call thee. Behold ! he 
leaves thee not defenceless — he imposes not 
restrictions and duties, without conveying to 
thee his invigorating aids — -he does not call 
thee to renounce the world, the flesh, and the 
devil, the enemies of thy salvation, without 
providing armour for the warfare, heavenly 
rewards to crown thy victories. Behold ! 
spread on the altar are the symbols of that 
divine body and blood, which convey immor- 
tal joys, invincible strength, to the souls of his 
penitent people. Go, my soul, seal over these 
symbols of his love the holy resolution to re- 



92 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

nounce thy sins, those enemies of his cross, 
those enemies of thy peace. Go, my soul, 
over these precious symbols of his love, vow 
eternal fidelity to the Lord — take up the cross 
and follow him, though the path lie through 
the vale of suffering and death. 



THE PRAYER. 

O Gon of everlasting mercy and salvation ! infi- 
nite source of compassion and love ! Worthy art 
thou to receive blessing, and honour, and adoration, 
and praise from all in heaven, and all in earth. 
For thou hast made all things ; for thy good plea- 
sure they are, and were created ; and from thee, 
the everlasting fountain of perfection, flow the glory 
and excellence of all the works of thy hands. Wor- 
thy art thou, O God of eternal mercies, to receive 
the supreme homage and service of the children of 
men : For thou hast washed away their sins in the 
blood of thy Son : thou hast opened to them, through 
the merits of a Redeemer, the prospect of immortal 
blessedness beyond the grave. Penetrated with a 
sense of thy majesty and glory, with a lively view 
of thine infinite compassion and love, I acknowledge 
thy claims to my homage and obedience — I acknow- 
ledge that all the powers of my soul, with ardent af- 
fection and gratitude, should ever have adored thy 
power, and celebrated thy praise — I acknowledge 
that the sincere and constant service of my life 
should have proclaimed my devotion to thee, the 
profound sense of obligation to thy bounty and love. 
Author of my being! God of my salvation ! I bow 
myself in the dust before thee, under the conviction 



WEDNESDAY EVENING. 93 

jf the presumption and insensibility which have so 
long disclaimed thy authority, and resisted the dis- 
plays of thy mercy. Awakened to a lively sense of 
the ingratitude and baseness of my sinful course, o{ 
the deplorable folly and guilt of that career of trans- 
gression by which I have rebelled against thee, I 
now desire to return unto thee, O my God, to cast 
myself at the foot of thy throne, imploring thy for- 
giveness — I now desire to relinquish those corrupt- 
ing and disappointing pleasures, for which I have 
contemned thy authority and laws, and forfeited the 
joys of thy favour— I desire to be rescued from the 
dominion of my sinful passions, which are offensive 
to thee, most holy God, and which terminate in 
shame, remorse, and misery-— fervently do I desire 
to devote myself to thy service, to obtain the satis- 
fying joys of thy mercy and loving-kindness. O 
most compassionate Father ! hear and accept the 
sincere vows of duty which I offer at thy throne. 
Thee, O God, I desire to choose as my refuge and 
portion — to thy glory and praise I resolve to devote 
all the powers of my soul — for that purity which 
will conform me to thine image, I ardently pant- 
resolutely do I engage to fulfil all thy commands- - 
cheerfully will I sustain all the sacrifices which thy 
service may require me to make — vigorously will I 
oppose the temptations and difficulties that would 
seduce or intimidate my allegiance to thee— to thy 
disposal I resign myself; patiently will I submit to 
all the chastenings of thy hand. Thou knowest the 
humble sincerity of my heart — thou knowest also, O 
God, its weakness and depravity. O save me from 
a presumptuous dependence on my own strength. 
Teach me evermore to rely on thee — to implore the 
succours of thy Holy Spirit. Excite me diligently 
to use all the means of illumination and grace. By 



94 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

the exercises of meditation and prayer, may I seek 
to fortify myself for the conflict with sin and temp- 
tation. O God ! on thy grace is my sole depen- 
dence — evermore refresh my soul by its succours 
and consolations. O grant that, by humble and 
earnest prayer, and by diligent attendance on the 
ordinances of thy Church, I may obtain the influ- 
ences of thy Holy Spirit. By his almighty power 
may my corrupt nature be quickened, renovated, 
and redeemed. Encouraged by thy gracious invi- 
tations, and humbly relying on thy mercy, I go to 
the sacred supper, where thou hast provided for thy 
people heavenly and immortal food. O, when, at 
his holy table, over the symbols of his body and 
blood, I celebrate the love of my Saviour, and re- 
new the vows of duty and obedience, — Spirit of 
God, impart to my soul thy holy unction — shed thy 
invigorating and consoling graces — seal me to the 
day of redemption — that finally advanced, by thy 
power, to the courts of the celestial temple of the 
living God, I may celebrate the love of my Saviour 
in unceasing and eternal strains — and join in the 
jubilee of adoration and praise to God, the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



THURSDAY MORNING. 



1&EDITATIOIY. 

Faith in Christ. 



As a creature and a sinner, man is depen- 
dent on the wall of his Sovereign Maker and 
Judge. Whatever God prescribes or com- 



THURSDAY MORNING. 95 

mands, that immediately becomes his duty 
and happiness. God, in infinite wisdom and 
goodness, has provided a .plan of salvation for 
fallen man. By the inscrutable determination 
of the Almighty Father, the eternal Son, in 
the person of man, sustains the penalties of a 
violated law; and his obedience, sufferings, 
and death, are accepted as an all-sufficient 
atonement to offended justice. All the bless- 
ings of salvation are conveyed to us, through 
the meritorious atonement of Christ; and 
faith in him is made the indispensable condi- 
tion of our enjoying these blessings. " Believe 
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be 
saved." 

Even then, if faith did not involve the exer- 
cise of the noblest powers of the understand- 
ing, and the most amiable virtues of the heart; 
if it were not the powerful principle which pu- 
rifies the soul, and inspires every act of holy 
obedience — still, as the command of our Al- 
mighty Lawgiver and Judge, as the prescribed 
condition of our salvation, it must appear a ne- 
cessary duty ; and it would evidence the most 
criminal presumption, as well as the greatest 
folly, to disregard it. The holy sacrament of 
the supper presents the Saviour offered up an 
almighty victim for sin. His sufferings and 
death are represented as the meritorious cause 
of our redemption. The only fountain of par- 
doning mercy and redeeming grace is opened 
in his body and blood. While, therefore, we 
are ignorant of these truths, or insensible to 



96 THURSDAY MORNING. 

them, we cannot be prepared for approaching 
that ordinance which derives from them all its 
efficacy. Until we cordially believe that the 
eternal Son of God, in our nature, shed his 
blood to purchase our redemption; until we 
believe, that through his merits alone we can 
have access unto the throne of our offended 
Judge, and that by his grace we must be sanc- 
tified and restored to the favour of God ; the 
holy sacrament of his supper, where he is set 
forth as crucified for our redemption, will ap- 
pear an unmeaning rite ; our participation of 
it would only be a mockery of God and the 
Saviour, and tend to the condemnation of our 
souls. Pardon, salvation, and grace, the 
blessings of this sacred ordinance, are con- 
veyed only to the true believer. The penitent, 
who is awakened to a sense of his guilt and 
his subjection to sin, will never experience rest 
or peace until he heartily embraces the truths, 
that the blood of the Saviour is all-sufficient 
to cleanse from sin, and his grace all-powerful 
to redeem from its dominion. 

Let, then, thy most earnest solicitude, O my 
soul, be directed to the examination, whether 
thou dost possess that lively faith in God's mer- 
cy through Christ, which will convey to thee 
holiness and peace, and make thee an accept- 
able guest at the table of the Lord. 

Rest not satisfied in a faith which embraces 
the Gospel merely as a well authenticated record 
of facts. Thou mayest acknowledge the birth, 
life, and miracles of the Saviour. Thou may- 



THURSDAY MORNING. 97 

est cherish a high esteem for his character 
and instructions. But what will this faith 
avail thee, while thou dost refuse to receive 
the Saviour as thy merciful and almighty 
Lord and Master, by whose righteous lawt$ 
thou art to he guided, by whose precious blood 
thou art to be redeemed, by whose gracious 
spirit thou art to be sanctified and governed? 
Was it not his primary, his sole object, to 
effect the redemption of fallen man from the 
guilt and dominion of sin ? Are not his all- 
sufficient merits and grace presented to us as 
the certain means of our salvation ? A faith 
which, passing over these infinitely momentous 
objects of the Redeemer's mission, regards 
him merely as a distinguished personage, and 
barely assents to the various events of his life, 
offers the most presumptuous affront to the 
dignity and glory of the Saviour, and can lay 
no claim to the blessings of his salvation. 

Equally futile and presumptuous is a faith 
which embraces the Gospel only as a system 
of speculative truth. The superficial faith just 
mentioned embraces the Gnospel as an authen- 
tic history of facts; while it is indifferent to 
the truths which it promulgates, and the duties 
which it enjoins. This speculative faith advan- 
ces further, and regarding Christ as the author 
of divine truth, forms from his Gospel a system 
of doctrines which it embraces on the ground 
of divine authority. But this faith is funda- 
mentally defective, in considering the doc- 
trines of Christ as intended merely to correct 

9 



98 THURSDAY MORNING. 

and regulate the opinions of men, and not prin 
cipally to purify their hearts. It is wholly in 
sensible to the important truth, that the doc- 
trines of the Gospel are designed to redeem 
us from error and sin, and to establish in the 
heart all divine and holy graces. This specu- 
lative faith will never impress on the soul her 
subjection to sin and misery, her need of di- 
vine mercy and grace — it will never awaken 
the exalted emotions of love and gratitude to 
God, for the gift of his Son to be the Redeem- 
er of fallen man — it will never excite that 
peace and joy which arise from the experience 
of the mercy of the Redeemer, and which urge 
to generous and universal obedience to his 
commands. Unfruitful either of holiness or 
peace, it cannot be a passport to the favour 
of that God who requires the homage of the 
heart; it cannot confer an interest in the 
merits of that Saviour who came to establish 
in the soul the kingdom of righteousness, peace, 
and joy. 

Beware also of resting in an imperfect or ob- 
scure faith, which does not thoroughly compre- 
hend the plan of salvation, and which is not 
deeply sensible of its value and efficacy. 

Dost thou entertain, O my soul, only super- 
ficial views of the evil and guilt of sin, and of 
the necessity of the grace of the Saviour to 
redeem thee from its power? Instead of re- 
garding his precious blood as the only foun- 
tain of pardon, and his almighty grace as the 
only source of holiness; dost thou content 



THURSDAY MORNING. 99 

thyself with an occasional a lukewarm con- 
fidence in his merits and power? Dost thou 
rest thy hopes of salvation on the superficial 
ideas which thou dost entertain of Christ, as 
a benevolent personage, who is to procure thy 
pardon with an offended God — instead of cor- 
dially receiving him, in all his offices, as the 
divine Prophet who is to instruct thee in the 
will of God — as the merciful High Priest, by 
whose atonement and intercession thou art to 
have access unto the Father — as the glorious 
King, by whose laws thou art to be governed, 
to whose righteous authority thou art to be 
subject, by whose victorious grace thou art to 
be defended and finally exalted to everlasting 
glory ? Ah, my soul ! this imperfect and obscure 
faith in the Saviour, on which thou dost rest 
thy salvation, will disappoint and condemn 
thee. Weak and irresolute, it will not allay 
the pangs of guilt ; it will not repel the as- 
saults of temptation; it will not subdue the 
power of sinful passion; it will not inspire 
thee with serenity and hope at that tribunal, 
where a supreme affiance on thy Saviour's 
merits will be thy only refuge from the con- 
demning scrutiny of thy Almighty Judge. 

The faith, then, which is effectual to salva- 
tion, and which, in the participation of the ho- 
ly supper, will vitally unite the devout com- 
municant to his Lord and Saviour, does not 
consist in a bare acknowledgment of the truth 
of the facts recorded concerning the character 
and life of Christ 1 in a speculative belief in 



100 THURSDAY MORNING. 

his Gospel, as an excellent theory of religious 
and moral truth; or in a loose and general trust 
in the Saviour, without a clear, lively, and just 
apprehension of his character and offices. 
To approach the altar with these imperfecta 
speculative, and feeble views of the Saviour, 
would be casting dishonour on the precious 
efficacy of his blood — insult and mockery on 
his divine dignity and power. 

That genuine faith which will lead the soul 
to Christ as her only refuge, must be founded 
on a lively conviction of our guilt and misery. 
On the degeneracy and guilt of human nature 
is the superstructure of redemption raised. 
Merely to instruct mankind ; merely to improve 
the code of moral duties ; merely to display 
an example of virtue, it surely was not neces- 
sary that the eternal Son of the Highest should 
divest himself of the majesty and bliss of the 
Godhead, should descend into this vale of sin 
and misery, and veil his eternal glories in the 
horrors of the cross, Man is a fallen and 
guilty creature. A divine Personage only can 
vindicate the insulted Majesty of heaven, and 
by his sufferings and death appease the claims 
of divine justice. Behold here the truths 
which develope the mystery of redemption; 
which present an object worthy of the infinite 
condescension of the Son of God; which shed 
resplendent light on the gloom that envelops 
the cross. « The word was made flesh," " the 
Son of God humbled himself to the death of 
the cross," that man, " dead in trespasses and 



THURSDAY M0RJN1NU. 101 

sins," might be " quickened" to the glorious 
hopes of pardon, holiness, and immortality. 
From a lively conviction then of thy guilt and 
misery, O my soul, must arise the virtue of 
evangelical faith. This conviction alone will 
awaken a sense of thy urgent need of a Sa- 
viour, and excite thy earnest desires for his par- 
doning mercy and renovating grace. " Christ 
came to seek and to save that which was lost." 
" The whole need not a physician, but they 
that are sick." Lost to the favour of God, 
and to every claim to his mercy, thou must 
acknowledge thyself to be, before thou wilt 
repose on the merits and power of him who 
is mighty to save. The taint of sin thou must 
deeply feel and deplore, before thou wilt have 
recourse to the purifying fountain opened in 
the Redeemer's blood. Thou must be earn- 
estly desirous to be rescued from the condemn- 
ing bondage of sin, before thou wilt embrace 
the glorious Saviour offered to, thee, under the 
symbols of the altar, in the satisfying fulness 
of his mercy and grace. 

The faith which will vitally unite thee to thy 
Redeemer, and prove effectual to thy salva- 
tion, founded on a deep sense of thy guilt and 
misery, must lead thee cordially, supremely, and 
joyfully, to rely on the all-sufficient merits of Christ 
for pardon, and on his all-powerful grace for com- 
plete redemption. God hath " set forth his Son 
to be propitiation for the sins of the world;" 
and it is his merciful declaration, that " whoso- 
ever believeth in him should not perish, but 

9 # 



102 THURSDAY MORNING. 

should have everlasting life." When, by the 
conviction of his guilt, condemnation, and 
misery, " every high and lofty imagination is 
brought down," the sinner will be disposed 
humbly to submit to the plan which the wis- 
dom and goodness of God have provided for 
his redemption. When his understanding is 
"enlightened to discern" the excellence and 
glory of the Saviour, and the divine mercy and 
grace which are shed around the eternal Son 
of the Father; when he views the fulness of 
peace and salvation in that divine Redeemer 
who invites " the weary and heavy laden to 
come unto him and receive rest"— the humble 
and contrite sinner will repose with cordial, su- 
preme, and joyful affiance on him whom ".God 
hath exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour," 
to dispense to the penitent pardon, grace, and 
everlasting redemption. 

Disclaiming all presumptuous dependence 
on his own righteousness and strength, the 
reliance of the true believer on his Saviour is 
entire and supreme. In the merits and power 
of Jesus Christ he discerns his only refuge 
from the terrors of a violated law ; the only 
means of his redemption from the dominion 
of sin ; the only armour with which he can 
repel the assaults of his spiritual enemies; his 
only pledge of exaltation to the felicities of 
heaven. Evermore " looking unto Jesus" foi 
every spiritual blessing, he will, with supreme 
and grateful affection, adore and bless his Sa 
viour, as " the author and finisher of his sal 
vation." 



THURSDAY MORNING. 103 

To his Redeemer, rich in grace and mercy, 
he clings with faith lively and vigorous — a faith 
which, realizing the all-sufficiency of the atone- 
ment of Christ, the almighty power of his 
grace, and his infinite willingness to save, al- 
lays every apprehension, and inspires holy 
hope and triumph. 

The reliance of the true believer in his Sa- 
viour, is also uniform and steadfast. Emphati- 
cally it may be said of him, that he " lives by 
faith." Faith is the animating principle which 
inspires and preserves his spiritual life — the 
fountain whence flow all his virtues and all 
his consolations. 

But it is the consummation of the excellence 
of genuine faith, and it is its inseparable char- 
acteristic, that it " works by love" that " it pu- 
rifies the heart" that it " overcomes the world" 
Faith is, in the true believer, an active princi- 
ple, which is ever inspiring him with the most 
ardent love to that God who has mercifully 
provided for him the means of redemption, 
and to that Saviour through whom alone he 
is redeemed from sin, and misery, and death. 
It is an invigorating principle, which is ever 
urging the true believer to testify, by the most 
exalted acts of obedience, the divine love 
which warms his heart; and to endeavour to 
advance, by the uniform service of his life, the 
honour and glory of his God and Saviour. It 
is a purifying principle which, by subduing the 
dominion of sin, removes sense of guilt from 
the conscience ; which, by the impressing upon 



104 THURSDAY MORNING. 

the soul the holy image of God, restores her to 
the joys of her favour; which prepares us for 
the felicity of heaven, by forming iu us those 
holy graces that yield on earth a foretaste of 
celestial joys. The true believer acknow- 
ledges the Saviour not only as the gracious 
High Priest, by whose atonement and inter- 
cession he is rescued from guilt and condem- 
nation; but as the divine Prophet, who illu- 
mines the soul with celestial truth; and as 
the almighty King, who establishes in the 
heart the dominion of righteousness, and who 
claims the submissive homage of his people. 

Behold now, my soul, the exalted charac- 
teristics of that faith, which alone is effectual 
to salvation. Founded on a lively sense of 
the guilt and condemnation in which, through 
sin, he is involved, it opens to the true peni- 
tent the mercy and grace of the Saviour, and 
excites him, disclaiming every other depen- 
dence, to rely with supreme, lively, and uni- 
form confidence, on the merits and power of 
Christ, for pardon and salvation. An active 
and vigorous principle, it renews and purifies 
the heart; and excites the believer to aim at 
that universal obedience, by which alone he 
can glorify his Saviour, and prepare his soul for 
the fruition of the holy presence of his God. 

This supreme, lively, and obedient faith in 
Christ, O my soul, is made, by the decree of 
God, thy Almighty Lawgiver and Judge, the 
indispensable condition of thy salvation. By 
this exalted principle alone canst thou testify 



THURSDAY MORNING. 105 

thy generous sensibility to the infinite glory 
and love of thy Redeemer, or obtain the ines- 
timable blessings of pardon, peace, and ever 
lasting glory. It is this divine faith which, 
applying to the soul the Saviour's merits and 
grace, plucks from her the sting of guilt; 
bursts the chains of sin ; and finally bears the 
soul triumphant over death, in the robes of 
celestial righteousness, to the throne of her 
Redeemer and God. 

Blest is thy state, O my soul, glorious thy 
destiny, if thou art animated by this exalted 
faith in the Son of God. To the pangs of 
conscience thou canst apply the pacifying 
merits of the Saviour's blood. To the phren- 
sy of guilty passion thou canst oppose the 
conquering energies of his grace. Clad in a 
panoply of celestial power, thou shalt sustain, 
unhurt, the assaults of thy spiritual enemies. 
Death himself shall see his shafts fall harm- 
Jess at thy feet, and behold thee, contemning 
nis enraged efforts, enter on the felicities of 
an immortal kingdom. Glorious triumphs of 
Christian faith ! O my soul, aim at obtaining 
the highest energies of this divine virtue. 
Cultivate a lively sense of thy degeneracy and 
guilt. Cherish glowing views of the mercy 
and power of Christ. Implore the quickening 
spirit of grace to unite thee to thy Saviour, by 
a consoling, holy, and triumphant faith. Be- 
hold seated on the throne of mercy erected 
on the altar, he now waits to bless thee with 
his love. Opening to the guilty sons of men 



106 THURSDAY MORNING. 

the living fountain of salvation, he invites them 
to " come and drink of the waters of life free- 
ly." "-Without money and without price," he 
dispenses the blessings of his grace. Urgent- 
ly needing his mercy, O my soul, refuse not 
the solicitations of his love. Weak and hum- 
ble as thy faith may be, if it has only awaken- 
ed a conviction of thy need of a Saviour, and 
a desire to partake of the blessings of his sal- 
vation — go — and he who came not " to break 
the bruised reed," or to reject the desire of 
the humblest of his children, will encircle thee 
with the arms of his mercy — will cherish, by 
his grace, thy feeble faith ; until, vigorous and 
triumphant, it reposes on him, in the fulness 
of peace, hope, and salvation. 



THE PRAYER. 

O most blessed and glorious Lord God ! who, in 
infinite compassion, hast given thine only Son to be 
the Saviour of mankind, and art in him reconciling 
the world unto thyself, not imputing unto us our 
trespasses and sins : teach me with deep humility 
and lively gratitude to adore and bless thee for the 
transcendent display of grace and mercy in the plan 
of salvation through Jesus Christ. May this ado- 
rable mystery of love engage my profound contem- 
plations, and my lively affections. May my most 
fervent desires be excited, my most earnest exer- 
tions roused, to obtain the inestimable blessings of 
this great salvation. Inspire me, O God, with that 
faith which will unite me to the Redeemer, and be 
the pledge of my forgiveness and everlasting re- 



THURSDAY MORNING. 107 

demption. Teach me humbly to adore thy sove- 
reign will, in requiring faith in thy Son, as the indis- 
pensable condition of thy mercy. Enable me to 
form profound, just, and lively views of this exalted 
virtue. May I not rest contented in a nominal ac- 
knowledgment of the Saviour ; in a speculative and 
unfruitful belief in his doctrines ; or in an indistinct 
and general view of his character and offices. O 
teach me, that these external, superficial, and im- 
perfect views of Christ, thy blessed Son, while they 
dishonour his dignity and glory, will not stand the 
scrutiny of thy justice, will not convey peace and 
consolation to my soul, or entitle me to the joys of 
thy favour. Teach me to lay the foundation of my 
faith in a deep conviction of my unworthiness and 
guilt. And when thus awakened and alarmed, O 
do thou enlighten me to discern the excellence and 
glory of Christ Jesus; and to apply his precious 
blood to my consolation and peace. May I discern 
the all-sufficiency of his merits ; the perfection of 
his righteousness; the fulness of his grace; his 
ability and willingness to save. May I cordially, 
joyfully, and steadfastly repose on him as the Al- 
mighty Mediator, by whose righteousness alone I 
can be justified ; by whose Spirit alone sanctified 
and saved. May my faith purify my heart, raise 
me above the unhallowed gratifications of the world, 
and form in my soul the holy graces and virtues 
which will prepare me for the fruition of thy pre- 
sence. Thy grace alone, Almighty God, can in- 
spire and perfect my faith,- — earnestly I implore 
thy quickening and sanctifying strength. Lead me 
humbly and thankfully to that spiritual banquet, 
where every holy grace of the soul is nourished and 
strengthened by the body and blood of thy Son. 
There, O God, may I seal, through faith, my title 
*o thy favour; there may the smiles of thy reconci- 



108 THURSDAY EVENING. 

led countenance be shed upon me; and there rnaj 
my weak and humble faith be quickened to the holy 
triumphs of joyful assurance and hope, through the 
mighty power of that Redeemer, who, as the eter- 
nal Son of thy love, liveth and reigneth with thee 
and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without 
end. Amen* 



THURSDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

Faith in Christ as the eternal Son of God, and as a Prophet, a Prieit, 
and King. 

Thou dost perceive, O my soul, that faith 
in Christ consists in such a lively, supreme, 
and steadfast reliance on his merits and grace, 
as produces peace of conscience, joy in the 
favour of God, redemption from the dominion 
of sin, sincere devotion to the Saviour, univer- 
sal obedience to his commands. This faith 
necessarily implies a just and lively view of 
his glorious character and offices. Until the 
glories of Christ, and his important offices, are 
fully displayed to our minds, we shall not dis- 
cern the all-sufficiency of his merits, his al- 
mighty power to save us, his supreme claims 
to our homage and obedience. Faith, when 
exercised upon the Saviour in the various offi- 
ces which he sustains towards us, is a most 
sublime, ennobling, and consoling principle. 



THURSDAY EVENING 109 

It opens to our astonished contemplations, 
those eternal glories of the Godhead which 
were centred in the person of Jesus Christ. It 
exhibits this Saviour dispensing the luminous 
revelation of the attributes and will of Jeho- 
vah; of the duties, hopes, and final destiny of 
man. It displays him, clothed in the garments 
of righteousness and mercy, standing before 
the altar of divine justice, and sending up that 
costly incense of his blood, which propitiates 
the holy indignation of an offended God, and 
invokes for man the blessings of peace and 
salvation. It displays him, "clad with the 
garments of vengeance," — "with zeal as with 
a cloak," marching triumphant over his adver- 
saries, " treading them down in his anger, and 
trampling them in his fury," — and finally as- 
cending, in majesty and power, to the throne 
of universal dominion; where he rules, the 
conqueror of death and hell, dispensing to his 
people the succours of his grace, and receiv- 
ing their homage and obedience, as the King 
and Captain of their salvation. When the be- 
liever sincerely embraces his Saviour in all 
these glorious offices, as the eternal Son of 
the Father, as the illustrious Prophet of the 
Highest, as the atoning Priest and Intercessor of 
his people, as the resistless King and Captain 
of their salvation — adoration, gratitude, love, 
and joy, will swell his soul. Every thought, 
every power, every affection, will celebrate 
the Saviour's glory. Uniform, sincere, zealous 
obedience, will attest the sinceritv of the ardent 

10 



110 THURSDAY EVENING. 

devotion of the believer to his Almighty Lord 
and King. 

From a lively belief in the divine character 
and glorious offices of the Saviour, thou must 
derive, O my soul, peace, holiness, and conso- 
lation. And this faith should be in holy exer- 
cise when thou art to partake of that ordi- 
nance, the efficacy of which will depend on 
thy lively apprehension of that Saviour, whom 
it sets forth as thy strength and refuge. 

Contemplate then the Saviour, with lively 
faith, as the eternal Son of the Father. 

The voice of the prophets, his forerunners; 
the declarations of his inspired apostles attest- 
ing his own pretensions; the exalted offices which 
he came to execute ; the glorious triumphs of 
his cross ; the eternal throne, on which he gov- 
erns, and will, finally, judge the world; all 
proclaim his divine dignity and glory, and urge 
thee, with supreme faith, to adore him as thy 
Lord and thy God. Hear the glorious names 
and titles of divinity conferred by the prophets 
on the Messiah that was to come — " Emanuel, 
God with us— The Mighty God— The Lord 
our righteousness — The Lord who shall sud- 
denly come to his temple — The God whose 
throne is for ever and ever." Hear the united 
testimony of the holy apostles, who, in decla- 
ring that Christ was "God manifest in the 
flesh," and that in him " dwelt all the fulness 
of the Godhead," only confirm the divine pre- 
tensions of Jesus himself, " 1 and the Father 
am one — I am Alpha and Omega, the begin- 



THURSDAY EVENING. ill 

ning and the end, the first and the last, which 
was, and which is, and which is to come, the 
Almighty" The exalted offices which he came 
to execute — to unfold the eternal counsels of 
the Father — to establish the everlasting rules 
of truth and duty — to satisfy the claims of di- 
vine holiness and justice — to demolish the do- 
minion which sin and death had established 
over mankind — to open the gates of everlast- 
ing bliss which divine wrath had closed against 
a guilty world — these are offices which a crea- 
ture, stamped with native weakness could 
never execute — they require the omnipotent 
strength of the Creator of the universe — they 
claim for Jesus, who triumphantly executes 
them, divine and eternal powers. The tri- 
umphs of his cross, which bore down the oppo- 
sing prejudices, learning, and power of the 
world, and still reduces under its sway the 
perverse imaginations of the heart, proclaim 
the divinity of that Jesus who, though he suf- 
fered as a malefactor, confers upon the cross, 
which was the mark of ignominy, these divine 
powers. View, finally, the glorious throne on 
which he governs, and will, at last, judge the 
world. What divine splendour surrounds it 
— How extensive and resistless its dominion- 
How powerful its decrees — What thunders 
burst from it, on the impenitent adversaries of 
God — What immortal felicities are dispensed 
from it to his obedient subjects — What divine 
and immortal honours are paid to the glorious 
Personage who is seated on it, holding " the 



112 THURSDAY EVENING* 

keys of hell and death" — " Thousand thou- 
sands stand before him, ten thousand times 
ten thousand minister unto him." — The host 
of heaven present their eternal adoration to 
him, who is infinitely exalted above the most 
perfect of their celestial orders, " the King of 
kings and Lord of lords." Ah, my soul, these 
are illustrious proofs that he with whom thou 
art to confide thy everlasting salvation, is, in- 
deed, thy Lord and thy God, claiming thy most 
profound homage, thy unbounded confidence, 
thy unreserved submission. In every view 
which faith opens to thee of the Saviour, fix 
thy contemplations on the glory of his divine 
nature. When thou dost repose on the omni- 
potent arm of a divine Saviour, the emotions 
of love shall be exalted, the ardours of hope 
strengthened, the triumphs of thy faith shall 
rise above all the enemies of thy salvation. 
What sublime awe surrounds the symbols of 
the altar, when faith discloses to thee the glo- 
ries of the incarnate God, whom they set forth! 
Oh ! what reverential, yet what delightful emo- 
tions swell the bosom of the believing commu- 
nicant, when, in the reception of the sacred 
elements, he enjoys the exalted assurance, that 
he is united to a divine Saviour — that he is ad- 
mitted into communion with the Son of God — 
that in the person of that blessed Redeemer, 
to whom he has committed the salvation of 
his soul, dwell all those divine attributes which 
are calculated to invigorate his love, his grati- 
tude, his joy, his holy triumphs. 



THURSDAY ETENING. 113 

The lively exercises of faith should be di- 
rected to the Saviour as the divine Prophet, 
by whom we are instructed in the laws and 
counsels of God. 

Through him were the beams of truth to be 
shed on a world enveloped with the shades of 
error — through him was the benighted mind 
to be enlightened in that spiritual knowledge 
which its most exalted researches could never 
attain. Behold, O my soul, what infinite 
claims, as thy divine instructor, the Saviour 
possesses to thy reverence and obedience. 
He whom thou an to receive as thy Prophet, 
is himself the eternal Word — he was from all 
eternity in the bosom of the Father — in him 
dwelt the Holy Spirit without measure. Per- 
fectly acquainted, therefore, must he have been 
with the will of his Almighty Father. To the 
prophetic office he was illustriously inaugura- 
ted, by the overshadowing of the Highest, by the 
descent of the Holy Ghost, by the solemn decla- 
ration of the Father, this is my beloved Son, hear 
ye him. Gloriously does this divine Prophet 
execute his office. A luminous revelation of 
divine truth, developing the attributes of the 
Godhead, the means of access to the throne 
of offended justice, the universal circle of reli 
gious, moral, and social duties, the eternal 
mansions beyond the grave, did this celestial 
Prophet promulgate. By stupendous miracles, 
which proved that his power was from on high, 
did he enforce his doctrines — by his own splen- 
did example, did he urge his holy precepts — 

10 # 



114 THURSDAY EVENING. 

by the shedding of his precious blood, did he 
put the seal to the divinity of his mission. 
Evangelists and apostles he inspired to pro- 
claim his Gospel to the world — in the oracles 
of the law and the testimony, we still behold 
the divine truths of salvation — through the 
ministrations and ordinances of the sanctuary, 
Christ, our Almighty Prophet, still sheds on the 
soul that enlightening radiance which disclo- 
ses to her the excellence and consolations of 
divine truth. Oh ! my soul, when the blind- 
ness, the depravity of human reason, forced 
upon thee by thy own experience, and by the 
view of the world sunk in ignorance and error, 
awaken the anxious desire to find a refuge 
from thy perplexing doubts in the bosom of an 
infallible instructor — embrace, by faith, that 
holy Jesus who was " anointed ivith the Holy 
Ghost, and with power," " to preach good ti- 
dings unto the meek," " to put his laws into 
the hearts," and "to write them upon the 
minds" of the children of men. Bring all thy 
errors, thy doubts, and prejudices at his feet; 
humbly implore that guidance which will trans- 
late thee from the darkness of natural reason 
into the light of celestial truth. Let every ap- 
proach to the holy supper be embraced with 
ardour, as affording thee an opportunity of re- 
newing the exercises of faith in Christ, thy di- 
vine Prophet, and of contemplating with ad- 
miration and gratitude the excellencies of that 
instructor, on whose head rests the radiance 
of the Godhead, from whose lips flow the ac- 



THURSDAY EVENING. 115 

cents of truth. At the altar, where thou dost 
commemorate the infinite condescension of 
this divine guide, seal thy vows of bringing 
every thought into captivity to his obedience, 
and of embracing, as the subjects of thy daily 
and reverential meditations, as the standards 
by which thy opinions are to be formed and 
thy practice regulated, as the infallible guides 
by which thou art to be conducted through the 
mazes of error and sin, to the glorious fulness 
of eternal truth — the inestimable revelations 
and laws of that blessed Redeemer, who only 
is the way, the truth, and the life. 

Behold what exalted claims the Saviour 
possesses to thy lively faith as a gracious 
Priest and Intercessor. • 

For man sunk under the condemning sen- 
tence of a violated law, and obnoxious to di- 
vine wrath, he " gave himself an offering, and 
sacrifice unto God." " Holy, harmless, unde- 
filed," shedding over the atonement which he 
offered, the glories of his divinity, he made "a 
full, free, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and 
satisfaction for the sins of the whole world." 
Ascending up on high, into the holy of holies, 
not made with hands, he presents before the 
altar of divine justice the all-sufficient incense 
of his merits, and averts from all penitent be- 
lievers the wrath of an indignant Judge. Seat- 
ed on the right hand of God, " he ever liveth 
to make intercession for us"— he implores 
from his Almighty Father the blessings of par- 
don, grace, and holiness, which, through him, 
descend on his penitent people. 



116 THURSDAY EVENING. 

Infinitely glorious and powerful, O my sou. 
is the gracious High Priest through whose 
merits and intercession thou art to be restored 
to the reconciled countenance of thy offended 
God. Vested with Almighty power to save 
those who were the purchase of his blood, in 
enlivening language he declares the riches of 
his redemption, and invites the humble and 
penitent to come and receive the satisfying 
fulness of his love. I have been crushed in 
the wine-press by the arm of divine justice. I 
have drunk the dregs of that cup of trembling 
into which the Almighty Father, incensed at 
your presumptuous rebellion, emptied the vials 
of his wrath. But I was wounded for your 
transgressions ; I was bruised for your iniqui- 
ties ; the chastisement of your peace was upon 
me ; and by my stripes ye are healed. Yes, the 
sentence of condemnation gone forth against 
you I have nailed to my cross. My blood has 
flowed an all-sufficient ransom for the guilty. 
Sprinkled on the mercy-seat, it ascends as ac- 
ceptable incense to the Father, and propitiates 
his justice. By the blood of my cross have I 
made peace. Crowned for the suffering of 
death with glory and honour, at the right hand 
of the Father, I am exalted, the prevailing In- 
tercessor for the guilty sons of men, dispen- 
sing pardon to the humble and penitent. 
Come then unto me, all ye who labour and 
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Be 
not dismayed by the number or enormity of 
your sins which call for vengeance. All-pow- 



THURSDAY EVENING. 117 

erful is the efficacy of my blood. Though 
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white 
as snow ; though they be red like crimson, 
they shall be as wool. 

O my soul, let the affectionate invitation of 
thy compassionate High Priest excite thee to 
place thy supreme confidence in his all-suffi- 
cient merits and prevailing intercession. When 
discerning the inflexible claims of God's jus- 
tice, and the unspotted rigour of divine holi- 
ness, thou dost tremble under the sentence of 
condemnation which thy sins have merited, 
look with lively and joyful affiance to that com- 
passionate Saviour who has expiated thy guilt 
by the merits of his blood. The divine foun- 
tain, whence flow the streams of pardon and 
comfort, is still opened in that ordinance which 
the Redeemer instituted as the memorial of 
his sufferings, and the pledge of thy salvation. 
There thy compassionate High Priest is wait- 
ing to sprinkle thee with that precious blood 
which will be the pledge of thy deliverance 
from the stroke of divine justice. Behold! 
infinite mercy and infinite power surround the 
Saviour with their glorious effulgence, and in- 
vite the fervours of confidence, the triumphs 
of holy hope. Wretched and guilty, flee to 
this friend of the wretched, this almighty Sa- 
viour of sinners, devoting thyself to his ser- 
vice, rendering him thy homage and trust. 
Sheltered in his compassionate bosom, thou 
shalt view, undismayed, the storms of wrath 
that overwhelm the ungodly. By the merits 



118 THURSDAY EVENING. 

and power of this great High Priest of thy 
salvation, thou shalt be conducted to the light 
of the reconciled countenance of thy heavenly 
Father. The blood of the all-sufficient victim, 
which still, under a lively symbol, flows on the 
altar, received by steadfast faith, will allay 
every doubt and pang which thy guilty fears 
awakeneth, and pour upon thee unfailing con- 
solations. O thou gracious Saviour, the mer- 
ciful High Priest, through whom we have ac- 
cess unto the Father, impotent are the highest 
efforts of the soul to conceive the glories of 
thy righteousness, the merit of thy interces- 
sion. Impotent are our most exalted feelings, 
to render thee the just tribute of gratitude for 
that ineffable peace which the healing balm 
of thy mercy dispenses to the bosom that re- 
poses upon thee. 

Behold, O my soul, the exalted claims of 
Jesus to thy homage, thy submission and obe- 
dience, as thy Almighty King. 

He is the eternal King whom God hath "set 
upon the holy hill of Zion — of the increase 
of whose government there shall be no end. 
He is the head of all principality and power. 
At his divine name every knee shall bow, of 
things in heaven, and things in earth, and 
things under the earth." By the sovereign 
power of God was Jesus exalted, in his hu- 
man nature, to the throne of the universe. 
" God raised him from the dead, and set him 
at his own right hand, far above all princi- 
pality, and power, and might, and dominion." 



THURSDAY EVENING. 119 

"Prince of the kings of the earth," and head 
of all the armies of heaven, he hath " on his 
vesture and on his thigh a name written, King 
of kings and Lord of lords," O my soul, with 
the homage of lively faith, shouldest thou sub- 
mit to that glorious King by whose grace alone 
thou canst be redeemed from the bondage of 
sm, by whose almighty power alone thou canst 
be rescued from the dominion of death and the 
grave. 

In vain wilt thou attempt to break the chains 
of sm, unless thy Almighty King exerts the 
sceptre of his grace. Errors and prejudices 
cloud thy understanding; sensual appetites 
and passions debase thy powers ; temptation 
seduces and enthrals thee. Sinking in des- 
pair, raise the ardours of holy faith to the glo- 
rious King, who, in the accents of animating 
triumph, invites thee to repose on his almighty 
arm — I am he who giveth you the victory. 
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he hath 
anointed me to proclaim liberty to the cap- 
tives, and the opening of the prison to them 
that are bound. Strengthen the weak hands, 
and confirm the feeble knees. My grace shall 
be sufficient for you, my strength shall be 
made perfect in your weakness. Fear not 
then, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, 
for 1 am your God. I will strengthen you, I 
will help you, I will uphold you with the right 
hand of my righteousness. Trust in me for 
ever, for in the Lord Jehovah there is ever- 
lasting strength. my soul, bow with sub- 



120 THURSDAY EVENING. 

missive and holy confidence to the sceptre of 
thy glorious and invincible Redeemer. He 
will subdue thy rebellious passions, and intro- 
duce the celestial reign of peace and love. 
Wait upon him with persevering faith, in that 
ordinance where he dispenses the pledges ol 
his grace, and thou shalt see his salvation dis- 
played in thy redemption from the bondage 
of sin. Rescued by his grace from the domi 
nion of unholy passions, thou shalt rejoice in 
the glorious liberty of the sons of God. 

O my soul, when thou hast escaped from 
the dominion of sin, a contest still more for- 
midable awaits thee. Death, thy implacable 
enemy, will seek to crush thee. Whence wilt 
thou derive the armour that will enable thee 
to quench his fiery darts, and to bind, under 
thy victorious feet, this tyrant of the human 
race ? What power will exalt thee to those 
seats of blessedness which no strength of na- 
ture can attain, and which infinitely exceed 
the merit of thy virtues ? Thy Almighty King, 
in majestic power, proclaims himself the glo- 
rious Conqueror, under whose banners thou 
art to be led to victory over death and the 
grave. I am he that liveth and was dead; 
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, and 
have the keys of hell and of death. O death, 
I have been thy plagues; O grave, I have 
been thy destruction. Fear not then, ye who 
humbly repose on my omnipotent arm. I will 
redeem you from death, I will ransom you 
from the power of the grave. Your corrup- 



THURSDAY EVENING. 121 

tion shall put on incorruption, arcl your mor- 
tal immortality. In that glorious kingdom on 
which I have entered, I have prepared seats 
for you; and where I am, there ye shall be 
also. Thy Almighty Saviour and King, O my 
soul, after having conducted thee triumphantly 
through the assaults of thy spiritual foes, will 
not desert thee in that last awful conflict, when 
death enfolds thee in his embrace. Faith in 
that Almighty King, whose unseen but power- 
ful arm supports thee, will enable thee to re- 
pel the assaults of thy foe. 

In the ardours of lively faith and gratitude, 
O, then, for ever magnify the all-conquering 
power of the King and Captain of thy salva- 
tion. To invigorate thy confidence, and to 
enliven thy hope, he provides for thee, in his 
holy supper, pledges of his grace and love. 
Penetrate, then, through the vail of sense, and 
in the humble elements of the altar behold, by 
the eye of faith, the immortal body and blood 
of thy Redeemer, by which thou art nourished 
and strengthened to everlasting life. On the 
altar Jesus erects the throne of resistless do- 
minion, and extends that sceptre which is the 
pledge of triumph to his followers over the 
assaults of the powers of darkness. Be it thy 
habitual care to renew, in the holy eucharist, 
thy vows of faith in thy divine Redeemer, of 
subjection to his sovereign sway. His body 
and blood shall nourish and strengthen thee 
to everlasting life. Oh ! esteem it a glorious 
privilege which should excite thy most lively 

11 



122 THURSDAY EVENING. 

gratitude, that during thy wearisome sojouu 
in this vale of tears, thou art permitted to re 
fresh thy drooping spirits at the fountain of 
immortal joys. Ever hasten, with reverent 
and holy triumph, to that ordinance, where 
thy glorious King dispenses strength, victory, 
eternal life. There prepare thyself, by invigo- 
rating supplies of grace, for the conflict, which, 
before the crown of glory rewards thee, thou 
must sustain with the King of Terrors. And 
when the pangs of sickness, or the decays of 
frail nature, proclaim the near approach of thy 
last enemy, seek, with renewed frequency and 
fervour, the pledges of thy Redeemer's grace 
conveyed to thee in his holy supper. Hope, 
peace, and consolation, shall flow upon thy 
spirit. The immortal VIATICUM, transfu- 
sing divine energy, shall support thee through 
the darkest shadows of the vale of death, 
Under the guidance of the Almighty Captain 
of thy salvation, mounting the everlasting hills, 
thou shall reach the city of the living God. 
In the glorious temple of the celestial Zion, 
those who have been redeemed by the blood 
of the Lamb, shall " serve God day and night; 
they shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more, 
neither shall the sun light upon them, nor any 
heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst 
of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead 
them unto living fountains of water, and God 
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." 

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, 
be unto thee, O holy Jesus. Eternal Son of 



THURSDAY EVENING. 123 

the Father, who, as our divine Prophet, dost 
instruct and guide us ; who, as our gracious 
High Priest, dost intercede for us, and bless 
us ; who, as our Almighty King, dost redeem 
us from the bondage of sin and Satan, and 
exalt us, victorious over death and the grave, 
to the immortal glories of thy throne. 



THE PRAYER. 

Almighty G od, who hast displayed thine infinite 
wisdom and goodness, in the covenant of mercy 
which thou hast offered to fallen man ; open mine 
understanding to discern the excellence and glory of 
this wonderful dispensation of grace ; and may my 
heart be impressed with the emotions of reverence, 
gratitude, and love. With deep and grateful hu- 
mility I adore thee, Almighty Father, that thou 
hast appointed, as the Mediator of this gracious 
covenant, thy eternal and only-begotten Son, " the 
brightness of thy glory, and the express image of 
thy person.' 5 I adore thee, that the Redeemer who 
is to restore fallen man to thy favour, possesses 
those divine powers and glories which render him 
at once the object of holy adoration and worship, 
and of lively gratitude, confidence, and love. Glo- 
ry be unto thee, O God, for thy unspeakable mercy 
and grace in Jesus Christ, who, as God, is mighty 
to save — as man, is touched with a feeling for my 
infirmities. O may I humbly and thankfully com- 
mit the salvation of my soul to that blessed Jesus, 
whom thou hast " anointed with the Holy Ghost and 
with power ;" whom thou hast " set forth to be a 
propitiation for the sins of the world ;" whom thou 



124 THURSDAY EVENING. 

hast exalted to be " a Prince and a Saviour/* to 
redeem guilty and perishing man. In all his divine, 
glorious, and consoling offices, may my understan- 
ding clearly and fully discern him — -my soul sub- 
missively and triumphantly embrace him. 

As the eternal Son of the Father, may I bow be- 
fore him with reverence and homage — may I ascribe 
unto him glory and dominion — may I magnify the 
divine fulness of his mercy, and the almghty ener- 
gies of his grace — may I evermore triumphantly re- 
joice in the certainty, the all-sufficiency, the ever- 
lasting glories of his salvation. 

Grant, O God, that embracing by faith the Sa- 
viour as my divine Prophet and Instructor, I may 
evermore revere the glorious lustre which surrounds 
him — may implicitly receive his illustrious revela- 
tions as the only standard of truth and duty — may 
study, with devout admiration and gratitude, his 
hallowed doctrines and precepts— and with humble 
fidelity and zeal seek to bring all the powers of my 
soul into obedience to the instruction of this divine 
Teacher whom thou hast sent. 

As my gracious and compassionate PiHest and 
Intercessor, may I gratefully revere and celebrate 
his mercy and grace — may I apply to his precious 
blood for pardon and peace — through his mediation 
and intercession alone, may I seek an access to the 
throne of thy mercy. 

As my Almighty King, may I evermore adore 
his eternal glory, his invincible power — may I hum- 
bly submit to the sceptre of his righteous dominion 
— may I sacredly observe his holy decrees and laws, 
threats and promises — on his omnipotent arm may 
I ever place my supreme reliance for victory over 
my spiritual foes, for redemption from death and 
the grave. 

And, oh ! thou holy Jotus, eternal Son of the 



THURSDAY EVENING. 125 

Father, have mercy upon me. " Thou who only- 
art holy, who only art the Lord, who only art most 
high in the glory of God the Father, grant me thy 
peace. " 

Divine Prophet of the Highest, illumine mine 
understanding with celestial truth ; instruct me in 
the knowledge and love of the Father ; guide me in 
the way of righteousness and peace. 

Gracious and prevailing Priest and Intercessor, 
sprinkle my guilty soul with the blood of the atone- 
ment ; and present it pure and spotless before the 
Father. " By thine unknown and dreadful ago- 
nies," by the all-suffiency of thy atonement, by the 
mighty power of thy death, by all that thou hast 
done and all that thou hast suffered, intercede for 
me and bless me, most compassionate Jesus. 

O thou Almighty King, to whom the Father hath 
given all power in heaven and in earth, stretch out 
thy omnipotent arm and save me ; subdue every 
thought, desire, and passion that riseth in rebellion 
against thee ; purify my heart by the mighty power 
of thy grace ; " guide and govern both my soul and 
body in the ways of thy law, and in the works of thy 
commandments;" in every difficulty and trial, be 
thou my Almighty Helper and Defender ; over all 
my spiritual enemies enable me to rise triumphant ; 
and finally, O thou omnipotent Saviour, exalt me, 
sanctified by thy grace, and redeemed by thy power, 
to the immortal seats of bliss which thou hast pre- 
pared for thy people. 

Blessed be thy name, O thou most high God, 
that in Jesus the Mediator thou hast engaged, for 
my salvation, omnipotent power and infinite love. 
Blessed be thy name, that thou dost invite me to 
that sacred banquet, where the illuminating gui- 
dance of Jesus the divine Prophet, the all-sufficient 

Il # 



^26 FRIDAY MORNING. 

atonement of Jesus the merciful High Priest, the 
almighty power of Jesus the glorious King, are 
provided for the instruction, comfort, and salvation 
of the humble and penitent. Earnestly imploring 
thy guidance, confiding in thy mercy, and dedica- 
ting myself to thy service, may I repair to thy altar, 
and there experience that thou art as infinite in com- 
passion as mighty in power, through Jesus Christ 
my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 



MEDITATION. 

. Thankful remembrance of Christ's Death. 

The devout communicant is called to pre- 
pare for participating in the Lord's Supper,, 
by cherishing a thankful remembrance of tki 
death of Christ. This sacred ordinance is, in- 
deed, powerfully calculated to impress on the 
mind the most lively idea of the sufferings of 
the Redeemer. The period of its institution 
carries us back to that dark hour, when the 
blessed Jesus, whose life had exhibited one 
continued course of beneficence, in the near 
prospect of an ignominious death, was bestow- 
ing on the beloved companions of his suffer 
ings, his mournful blessing, and laying upon 
them the injunctions of his dying love. It 
brings to our view* in all its direful horrors. 



FRIDAY MORNING. 127 

and in all its affecting glory, the cross; on 
which, as on an altar, the Saviour was con- 
sumed by the fires of divine justice ; and on 
which he poured out his life a sacrifice for 
the sins of the wond. This holy ordinance 
presents to the view of faith, under forcible 
symbols, the victim again bound and offered 
on the altar. The bread broken forcibly recalls 
to our recollection the sacred body of the Sa- 
viour, which was bruised for our iniquities by the 
arm of divine wrath. And the wine which is 
pressed from the grape, is a lively emblem of 
that precious blood which the burden of our 
sins forced from the tortured body of the 
Saviour of the world. O my soul, discern, 
through these humble but affecting emblems, 
thy crucified Lord ; and, penetrated with the 
view of his awful agonies, render him the 
homage of ardent gratitude and love. 

The thankful remembrance which thou art 
called to cherish of the death of thy Redeem- 
er, is not merely a glow of sympathy and sor- 
row which the view of distress is calculated 
to excite in every heart. Thou art to con- 
template the sufferings of Christ, not as the 
sufferings of a common man, but as the suffer- 
ings of a divine Instructor, come to proclaim 
the most important truths to the world, to 
enforce and seal them by his sufferings and 
death ; and as the sufferings of a divine Re- 
deemer who atoned for our sins, and purcha- 
sed, by his blood, our everlasting redemp- 
tion. 



128 FRIDAY MORNING. 

Consider the sufferings of Christ as a stri- 
king seal to the truth of his religion. 

Consider his sufferings and death as the 
all-sufficient expiation for the sins of man. 

Finally, consider them as powerfully en- 
forcing the spirit of meekness, patience, and 
love, the principal characteristics of his dis- 
ciples. 

This view of the sufferings of Christ will 
tend to excite the emotions of devout admi- 
ration, faith, gratitude, and love ; and it will 
also tend to impress on the heart the most 
important instruction, the most grateful con- 
solation. 

Consider the sufferings and death of Christ 
as a striking seal to the religion which he 
proclaimed. 

In the humble and suffering Saviour, whom 
the altar sets forth, we behold displayed mag- 
nanimity, condescension, disinterested love, 
which call for our devout and grateful admi- 
ration, and which tend to excite our full con- 
fidence in the divine Instructor, who, by these 
sufferings, sealed the truth of his mission. He 
was ushered into the world, not amidst the 
splendour of courts and palaces, but amidst 
the inclemencies and the degradation of a 
manger. He chose for his kindred in the 
flesh, not the noble, the rich, and the ~nighty, 
but the humble, the obscure, the despised. 
He selected for the companions of his private 
hours, for the soothers of his cares and sor- 
rows, for the partakers of his labours and in 



FRIDAY MORNING. 129 

structions, not the learned, the refined, and 
the wealthy, but fishermen, humble, illiterate, 
and contemned. He courted not the cheer- 
ing company of the gay and the opulent, but 
the society of the children of poverty, of igno- 
rance and affliction. The Redeemer did not 
surround himself with the trappings of wealth 
and power, he did not court the seducing ease 
of elevated stations, and shun the walks of 
calamity and distress. Ah! revilings, con- 
tempt, insult, repaid all the prodigies of love 
which distinguished his beneficent life. At 
the unrighteous judgment-seat of Pilate, this 
innocent martyr was arraigned. All the in- 
sults and tortures which ingenious malice 
could suggest, were heaped upon that bosom 
which beat only with ardent love to mankind. 
On Calvary's mount that innocent blood was 
poured forth, which pleaded for mercy on the 
barbarous hands that shed it. O my soul, im- 
potent is language to do even feeble justice to 
the magnanimity, the love, of the holy Jesus. 
His divine dignity and glory rendered still more 
astonishing and profound his mercy. The un- 
created image of the Father's glory was born 
the child of poverty and wretchedness. He, 
who, in heaven, received the adoration of the 
angelic host, placed himself among the igno- 
rant and profligate herd of publicans and sin- 
ners. He, who held in his hand the thunders 
of Omnipotence, calmly submitted to be the 
sport of an infuriate rabble. He, whose head 
divine lustre surrounded, was crowned with 



130 FRIDAY MORNING. 

thorns, and mocked with the acclamations of 
his implacable enemies. The Lord of life and 
glory, he who created and sustains the worlds, 
sunk in the agonies of death, an ignominious 
victim on the cross. The bitter sufferings 
which, mitigated and cheered by no friendly 
sympathy, pursued him, afford the strongest 
proof that no sinister motives of pride, of 
interest or ambition, could have swayed his 
breast. The exalted messages of salvation 
which he proclaimed, the pure and heavenly 
precepts which he inculcated, the works of 
mercy which he performed, did not procure 
for him affection, gratitude, and love; they 
did not receive the applauses and honours by 
which the benefactors of mankind are re- 
warded. Ah ! contumely, insult, and death, 
crowned his benevolent exertions. O my soul, 
thy Saviour exhibited, in his suffering life, the 
strongest proof of disinterested zeal, of mag- 
nanimous virtue. Persevering in his work of 
love, though contempt and suffering met him 
at every step; though he foresaw that the ha- 
tred of. his enemies would at length prevail in 
his destruction ; and that, amidst their bitter 
taunts and revilings, he should sustain an ig- 
nominious death — thy Redeemer claims thy 
highest admiration and confidence. Zeal thus 
self-denying and disinterested, in the pursuit 
of the noblest objects, should silence every 
ungenerous suspicion. Contemplating the 
divine fortitude and resolution with which the 
Saviour sealed in death the truth of the doc- 



FRIDAY MORNING. 131 

tnnes which, through his suffering life, he had 
inculcated, thou shouldest acknowledge, in 
the holy fervours of a faith like that which 
animated the Centurion beholding at the cross 
the magnanimity and patience of the crucified 
Redeemer — " Truly this was the Son of God." 
At the altar, therefore, O my soul, thou art 
called to commemorate the sufferings and 
death of a divine Teacher, whose magnani- 
mity, fortitude, and patience, while they claim 
thy fervent love, gratitude, and homage, are 
powerfully calculated to confirm and exalt the 
ardours of thy faith. Contemplate the gross' 
ignorance of all the interesting truths and 
duties connected with the spiritual welfare, 
hopes, and destination of man, which envelo- 
ped the world before this divine Teacher rose 
in the splendour of celestial truth and know- 
ledge. Contemplate the impious superstition, 
the cruel rites, the debasing crimes, which 
overspread the world before this Son of 
Righteousness, by the lustre of his beams, 
chased before him the clouds of idolatry, error, 
and vice. Then turn thy view to the glorious 
revelation which Christ promulgated, to the 
splendid lustre which it sheds on all the duties 
and all the hopes of man, on every religious 
and moral truth, which can awaken his desires 
or his fears, which can conduce to his present 
or eternal welfare. In the revelation of Jesus 
Christ, the ardent desires of the soul, seeking 
the path to duty and bliss which a blind and 
erring reason in vain endeavoured to discover, 



132 FRIDAY MORNING. 

arc fully gratified — the way is tracked out, with 
luminous lustre, to the throne of God — light 
and glory burst from the mansions of the tomb. 
O my soul, adore with lively gratitude and 
faith the divine Teacher who hath sealed to 
thee these glorious truths and hopes by the 
testimony of his blood. While the tears of 
lively sympathy and sorrow are shed over the 
sacred memorials, which recall to thy remem- 
brance the unparalleled sufferings of thy bless- 
ed Lord, let the altar be also the hallowed 
throne where thou dost present the grateful 
vows of obedience to that divine Teacher 
who, from the terrors and agonies of the 
cross, sends forth light, life, and immortality to 
the world. 



THE PRAYER. 

O MOST merciful God, who hast given us thy 
only-begotten Son to be our divine guide and teach- 
er, to lead us from the darkness of ignorance and 
error into the light of thy truth ; grant that the con- 
templation of his patience, his resolution, his mag- 
nanimity and fortitude under the various sufferings 
which assailed him, while it awakens my lively grat- 
itude, may serve to cherish and confirm my faith in 
his glorious doctrines. May the ardent, the disin- 
terested, the persevering zeal, which the Saviour 
displayed in encountering the malicious calumny 
and persecution with which his relentless enemies 
repaid him for his benevolent instructions, excite at 
once my admiration, my gratitude, and steadfast 
confidence. I bless thee, most holy Jesus, that 
thou wast not deterred from the prosecution of thy 
divine work of enlightening and restoring ff A\&n 



FRIDAY MORNING. 133 

man, by the sufferings and persecutions that assail- 
ed thee— by the prospect of the ignominious death 
which was to close thy infinite labour of love. I 
bless thee, most holy Jesus, that by the shedding of 
thy precious blood in attestation of the glorious 
truths thou didst promulgate, thou hast afforded 
the highest evidence of thy sincerity, thy disinter- 
ested benevolence and zeal. O may I evermore 
love and serve thee as a divine and beneficent teach- 
er, who, in proclaiming and establishing the glo- 
rious revelation of mercy and grace, consulted only 
our peace, our welfare, our instruction, and ever- 
lasting consolation ; and generously sacrificed thy 
own ease, comfort, happiness, and life. O may the 
commemoration of thy sufferings and death, in thy 
holy supper, recall to my awakened feelings the in- 
finite condescensions of thy love, the painful sacri- 
fices, the awful conflicts, which thou didst sustain 
in the establishment of that dispensation of grace, 
by which thou hast shed the rays of immortal truth 
and glory on a blind and perishing world. Recei- 
ving, with humble gratitude and faith, the memori- 
als of thy love, may I resolutely and fervently de- 
vote myself to thy service. Evermore following 
the light of thy divine instructions, and regulating 
my life by thy celestial doctrines and precepts, may 
I thus evidence the sincerity of my gratitude, my 
faith, and love ; and seek, in some measure, to 
make amends to thee for the contumely, scorn, and 
suffering, with which, while on earth, thy benevo- 
lent labours were repaid. O thou eternal light of 
the world, " send forth thy light and truth. Let 
them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill — 
to God, my exceeding joy," to the blissful fruition 
of the excellency and glory of the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. 

12 



134 FRIDAY EVENING. 



FRIDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

Thankful remembrance of the Death of Christ — Charity with all Men. 

Thou hast been gratefully contemplating^ 
O my soul, the sufferings and death of Christ, 
as affording affecting and powerful evidence 
of the divinity of his mission and the truth of his 
doctrine. 

Turn now thy view to the sufferings and 
death of Christ as an all-sufficient expiation and 
atonement for sin. 

The sufferings of Christ, considered as the 
infinite price of the ransom of a guilty world, 
rise to the highest importance, and claim our 
profound adoration and love. From the gloom 
of suffering and sorrow, the virtues of magna- 
nimity, patience, and fortitude, shine forth with 
the most affecting lustre. Contrasted with the 
horrors of that hour when, in the agonies of 
death, aggravated by every painful circum- 
stance of reproach, insult, and ignominy, our 
divine Instructor closed his suffering life ; how 
resplendent and endearing appear the mild 
and submissive patience, the ardent and be- 
nignant love which he displayed. Bursting 
from the cloud of suffering which envelops the 
cross, the holy Jesus appears clothed with the 
radiance of divine glory, and with irresistible 



FRIDAY EVENING. 135 

authority proclaims to the world the everlast- 
ing dispensation of grace, and imposes the 
immutable rules of truth and duty. 

But when, with the authority of a divine In- 
structor, we connect the mercy and power of 
an almighty Redeemer, the sufferings and death 
of Christ, which before inspired admiration, 
gratitude, and confidence, will penetrate us 
with emotions of the most profound adoration, 
and will excite the liveliest fervours of love, 
the most ardent triumphs of faith. A Re- 
deemer, who, in sustaining the penalties of 
sin, rescues us from its awful condemnation; 
who, in sinking under the stroke of death, 
breaks the sceptre of the relentless tyrant; 
who, in yielding for a short period to the do- 
minion of the prince and powers of darkness, 
bursts the chains which they had cast on 
guilty man ; a Redeemer, who, from the cross 
which was the ignominious scene of the tem- 
porary triumphs of his foes, displays the ban- 
ners of victory, and " proclaims liberty to the 
captives, and the opening of the prison to them 
that were bound; 7 ' a Redeemer, who thus turns 
ignominy, suffering, and death, into triumph, 
victory, and glory, presents a display of divine 
power, which, while it transcends our feeble 
comprehensions, should excite the fervours of 
adoration and love. 

Contemplate then, O my soul, the suffer- 
ings of Christ, as the price of thy redemption. 
View thyself as fallen from that rectitude and 
glory which distinguished thy primeval state, 



136 FRIDAY EVENING. 

into the abyss of blindness, depravity, and 
guilt. Regard thyself as having forfeited the 
favour of that merciful Being whose favour 
is the only source of bliss, as obnoxious to 
the indignation of that Almighty Sovereign, 
whose frown awakens misery and despair. 
Ah ! when thou art tbus abased by the con- 
viction of thy guilt and wretchedness, thou 
wilt be able to estimate the full value of those 
unparalleled sufferings by which the Son of 
God achieved thy rescue. Yes, " while we 
were yet sinners," in a state of rebellion against 
the Supreme Majesty of Heaven, of perverse 
contempt of the goodness of our Almighty 
Benefactor — while our crimes and impiety 
called for the arm of divine justice to crush 
us, the infinite love of God prompted the 
wonderful purpose of our redemption; and 
"Christ," the eternal Son, clothed with our 
nature, " died for us." The poverty, the scorn, 
the persecution, the ignominy, the agonies of 
the cross which overwhelmed him, were the 
punishments due to our sins — -they were the 
price of our redemption. Blessed Jesus, we 
transgressed the righteous laws of our God, 
and thou, innocent and guiltless, didst sustain 
the penalties due to our crimes. We incurred 
the sentence of divine justice, and thou, the 
immaculate Lamb, didst sink under its aven- 
ging curse. We were enthralled by the chains 
of the prince of darkness; thou didst sustain 
the shock of his fiery assaults, to rescue us 
from his dominion. We were bowed down, 



FRIDAY EVENING. 137 

the captives of death, the tyrant of our race ; 
thou didst overcome death, and open the gate 
of everlasting life. 

Oh ! profound mystery of love, that calls for 
the deepest adoration, for unceasing and lively 
gratitude ! O my soul, is it possible for thee 
to contemplate, without emotion, the agoni- 
zing sufferings which the Redeemer sustained, 
in effecting the glorious purpose of his love — 
thy redemption from guilt, and misery, and 
death? The heir of guilt and wretchedness — 
shall not the sentiments of holy gratitude be 
excited to the gracious Redeemer, who, by 
offering himself the victim to divine justice, 
expiates thy guilt, and consoles thee with the 
offers of mercy and pardon ? Bound by the 
chains of sin and death, wilt thou not cele- 
brate, in triumphant strains, the grace of that 
Almighty Conqueror, who, by the shedding of 
his blood, hath purchased thy redemption from 
this degrading bondage ? Doomed, through 
transgression, to sustain the opposing cares, 
the painful changes of this vale of sorrow, and 
destitute of the consolatory assurance that, 
beyond the mansions of the grave, a day of 
rest ana peace shall dawn upon thee — Oh ! 
shall not the jubilee of praise be directed 
to that divine Saviour, who, having passed 
through the valley of the shadow of death, 
hath chased from it the spectres that hold in 
it their reign, and opened to thee a passage 
to immortal glory ? 

That thankful remembrance of the death of 
12* 



138 FRIDAY EVENING. 

Christ, with which it is thy duty always to 
commemorate his love in the holy supper, will 
be most strongly cherished by frequently con- 
sidering the state of condemnation and misery 
from which the Saviour, by his death, redeem- 
ed thee; and the exalted blessings which, 
through his mediation, are conferred upon 
thee. Accustomed ever to consider the cross 
of Christ as the fountain whence flow all thy 
spiritual hopes and consolations, it will be en- 
deared to thee as the pledge of thy salvation; 
and at the altar thou wilt fix the eye of grate- 
ful faith on the Lamb of God, who, by the suf- 
ferings and death there commemorated, hath 
taken away the sin of the world. 

Let the awful exhibition of divine justice in 
that sacrifice which, under lively symbols, is 
set forth at the altar, impress thee, O my sou], 
with a sense of the inflexible indignation of 
God against the impenitent transgressors of 
his laws. If God withheld not the sword of 
his justice, though it penetrated the bosom 
of his beloved Son, clothed, in the person of 
man, with the sins of the world, will he spare 
the impenitent sinner who defies the awful 
display of justice, and contemns the affecting 
manifestation of divine mercy which the cross 
affords ? 

But if thou art deeply penitent for thy offen- 
ces, and sincerely disposed to renounce and 
forsake them, approach the altar; and while 
thou dost there contemplate the lively memo- 
rials of the sufferings and death of thy Lord, 



FRIDAY EVENING. 139 

thankfully celebrate the triumphs of his cross 
by which thy redemption was effected. From 
the cross, where an all-sufficient victim satis- 
fies the claims of divine justice, beams that 
mercy which diffuses joy through the troubled 
spirit. There flows that precious blood which 
will wash away the stains of sin. In the ago- 
nies of the Lord of life, the exactions of divine 
justice are fulfilled to the uttermost. The 
righteous Judge of heaven and earth, behold- 
ing the authority of his laws, which had been 
violated, fully vindicated, extends the sceptre 
of mercy to the penitent offender. Oh ! then, 
my soul, let the altar which conveys to thee 
the merits and blessings of the cross, ever wit- 
ness thy humble penitence, thy grateful recol- 
lection of that ignominious death, which was 
the price of thy salvation. And when the sa- 
cred elements, received by lively faith, convey 
to thee the strengthening virtue of the body 
and blood of Christ, let the ardent expressions 
of gratitude ascend to that God who, on the 
throne of mercy, is reconciling the world unto 
himself — to that immaculate Lamb who was 
slain and offered an all-sufficient victim, to 
redeem thee by his blood. 

The grateful contemplation of the sufferings 
and death of Christ should also impress on 
thee that spirit of humility, patience, and univer- 
sal charity, which the Saviour eminently dis- 
played, and which are the characteristics of 
his true disciples. 

The sufferings of Christ afford a brilliant 



140 FRIDAY EVENING. 

attestation of the truth of his doctrines. They 
present a still higher claim to our gratitude, 
and become still more endeared to our grate- 
ful remembrance, by their infinite efficacy a? 
an all-sufficient expiation of our sins and guilt 
And they further demand our grateful recol 
lection, as impressing upon us, in the mos* 
powerful and affecting manner, the great and 
important virtues which will assimilate us tc 
our divine Master — humility, patience, and uni 
versal love. 

In order to behold a striking exhibition of 
the meek and lowly spirit of the Christian 
calling; in order to correct those false ideas 
of religion, so grateful to corrupt nature, and 
therefore so generally entertained, which re 
present its sacred claims as entirely compati- 
ble with the gratification of the aspiring, the 
proud, and the revengeful passions of the 
heart; in order to contemplate a noble and 
affecting display of uniform resignation, per- 
fect patience, and exalted love, under afflic- 
tions the most severe, injuries the most poig- 
nant, and persecutions the most implacable — 
we must contemplate the character of the 
blessed Jesus, and follow him through his suf- 
fering life. " He grew up as a tender plant 
and as a root out of the dry ground. He had 
no form or comeliness ; and when we saw 
him, there was no beauty that we should de- 
sire him. He was despised and rejected of 
men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with 
grief. He was oppressed and he was afflict 



FRIDAY EVENING. 141 

ed, yet he opened not his mouth. He was lea 
as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep be- 
fore her shearers is dumb, so he opened not 
his mouth. When he was reviled, he reviled 
not again. When he suffered, he threatened 
not." Patient and holy Lamb of God ! bitter 
anguish and misery penetrated thy innocent 
bosom; and shall we, whose aggravated sins 
and guilt loudly demand suffering and punish- 
ment, expect to pass along the path of pleasure 
and indulgence ? Scorn and persecution, pour- 
ing their fires on thy holy head, awakened only 
thy blessings and thy prayers ; and shall we, 
whom the consciousness of imperfection and 
guilt should cover with deep humility, cherish 
a resentful and implacable temper ? Sustain- 
ing the accumulated sins of a guilty world, thy 
innocent spirit was pressed down by the arm 
of divic*o justice — -thou wast stretched on the 
rack of divine wrath until the agony of thy soul 
burst forth in great drops of blood. Ah ! when 
thou didst thus exhaust the dregs of that cup 
of trembling which the indignation of heaven 
had prepared as the punishment of our guilt, 
shall we murmur at those slight but salutary 
afflictions which are mercifully designed to 
promote our eternal health and perfection ? 

O my soul, thy patient, meek, and humble 
Redeemer left thee an example that thou 
shouldest follow his steps. The virtues of hu- 
mility, patience, and universal love, he powerfully 
enforced by his own humble, suffering, and 
benevolent life. Worthy of thy liveliest grati- 



142 FRIDAY EVENING, 

tude is the infinite condescension of thy bless 
ed Lord, who, to animate thy obedience, has 
performed every precept which he enjoins, 
has sustained sacrifices and sufferings infinite- 
ly greater than those to which thou art called. 
Behold then exhibited in his life the most glo- 
rious model of duty, and the most animating 
incentives to cherish those lowly, patient, and 
benevolent virtues which adorned the Sa- 
viour's character. Distinguished is the privi- 
lege of the disciples of Christ, that they are 
called to w r alk in that path of suffering which 
their divine Redeemer trod before them. Hon- 
ourable those sorrows which conform the be- 
liever to the image of his Lord, and prepare 
him for the fruition of those glories to which, 
as the reward of his patience, the Saviour is 
exalted. Murmur not, O my soul, under that 
cross with which thy Redeemer did patiently 
ascend the steep of Calvary. The path of 
suffering which thy Saviour tracked out thou 
must patiently follow, if thou wilt attain the 
celestial glories on which he has entered. It 
is the declaration which his own lips pro- 
claimed, and which his suffering life has seal- 
ed : " If any man will be my disciple, let him 
deny himself, and take up his cross and follow 
me. Through much tribulation ye must enter 
into the kingdom of heaven." Animated by 
his glorious example, and cheered by the 
heavenly voice which, from the throne of 
eternal power, he directs to thee, " be of good 
cheer, I have overcome the world" — resolve 



FRIDAY EVENING. 143 

to preserve thy allegiance to him amidst the 
most furious assaults of temptation — resolve 
to glorify his mercy and power in the most 
bitter agonies of suffering and death. At the 
altar, where the affecting representation of the 
sorrows of thy Lord forcibly reminds thee that 
those who would resemble him in the glories 
of his resurrection, must be conformed to him 
in the likeness of his sufferings and death, 
thankfully commemorate the animating incen- 
tives to patience and resignation which his 
blessed life affords — and draw from the foun- 
tains of his grace the succours which will ex- 
alt thee triumphant over the assaults of temp- 
tation and sorrow. 

The suffering life of the Redeemer is cal- 
culated to impress on thee, O my soul, the 
lowly, the patient, and benevolent virtues 
which constitute the perfection of thy nature, 
which are productive of the highest joys and 
consolations, and which are indispensable 
qualifications for future blessedness. With 
the liveliest gratitude, therefore, should those 
sufferings be remembered, which are fraught 
with instruction so beneficial and exalted. 

There is no virtue, however, which the 
contemplation of the sufferings and death of 
Christ more strongly inculcated than charity 
or universal love. Love is the soul of his reli- 
gion ; it is the animating spring of every other 
grace; the eternal centre to which they all 
tend, and in which they will all finally become 
absorbed This virtue, the badge of the; true 



144 FRtDAY EVENING 

disciples of Christ, attaches the soul to God. 
the source of every excellence, the infinite 
Author of every mercy — in Christ Jesus, the 
God of everlasting compassion and grace. It 
inspires the soul with the most lively affection 
for man, who bears the image of that Divine 
Being whom she adores — who shares in the 
common wants and sorrows that oppress her 
- — who is redeemed by the blood of the same 
Saviour, and sanctified by the same Almighty 
Spirit — and who looks forward to the same 
immortal destiny. Christians, animated by 
the divine principle of love, will uniformly en- 
deavour " to keep the unity of the Spirit in 
the bond of peace" — to preserve the harmony 
and order of that holy Church, through which 
the streams of mercy and grace from the di- 
vine Redeemer are conveyed to them, and by 
which they are to be trained for the immortal 
celebration of the praises of their God in the 
Church Triumphant. Regarding one another 
as partakers of these divine and celestial privi- 
leges, as destined for the same transcendent 
state of perfection and bliss, they will feel 
themselves united by the most affecting and 
powerful ties. Yes — resting for pardon on the 
same precious blood; quickened and sancti- 
fied by the same Almighty Spirit ; prepared 
for the inheritance of glory by the same course 
of suffering and trial; fellow pilgrims through 
the same vale of tears to a blissful and eternal 
rest — united thus in the participation of the 
same wants and sorrows, in the possession of 



FRIDAY EVENING. 145 

the same divine privileges, in the fruition of 
the same glorious promises, Christians should 
also be united by the holy sentiments of ten- 
derness and kindness. The spirit of divine 
love, shedding through their hearts its quick- 
ening power, should excite them to endeavour 
to remove or alleviate, by every act of sym- 
pathy and affection, the obstacles and afflic- 
tions that assail them in their progress — to 
enliven their wearisome pilgrimage, by cele- 
brating, in holy concord, the glories of that 
heavenly city towards which they are advan- 
cing. Destined to unite in strains of everlast- 
ing love before the throne of the Eternal, 
their spirits should be attuned on earth to the 
harmonious celebration of the praises of their 
God. Oh ! what an exalted exhibition of joy 
and peace would the world present, did this 
spirit of divine love pervade the souls of 
Christians ! This vale of tears and misery, 
where discord, suspicion, envy, and revenge, 
blast the few joys which lie scattered along 
the path of life, would be converted into a 
paradise of love and peace, fair and exalted 
as that in which man enjoyed the presence of 
his Maker. 

This spirit of universal charity, so sublime 
and noble in its origin and nature, so bene- 
ficial and exalted in its effects, is enjoined on 
thee, O my soul, by the most powerful and 
affecting considerations; and it is an indis- 
pensable qualification for that holy supper, 
where Christians profess themselves to be 

13 



146 FRIDAY EVENING. 

connected by the holy ties of a Redeemer's 
merits and blood. From the altar, the tender 
voice of the Saviour implores his followers, by 
that precious blood which is their common and 
supreme affiance, by that quickening spirit of 
love and consolation which he sheds through 
their hearts, by those blissful and immortal 
hopes which he hath purchased for them all, 
by that infinite and unutterable love which, 
through his suffering life and agonizing death, 
he displayed for them, he implores them to 
" love one another." " This is my command- 
ment, that ye love one another." Blessed 
Jesus ! who shrunk from no sufferings to 
achieve our redemption, we owe thee the su- 
preme devotion of our souls, which thou hast 
purchased. And didst thou require, as the 
pledge of our gratitude, the renunciation of 
our ease and enjoyment, cheerfully should the 
inadequate tribute be rendered. Base then, 
and highly criminal the apathy which would 
lead us to disobey thy dying injunction, to 
cherish the virtue of charity and love, the 
ornament of our nature, the source of the 
purest joys. 

Advance then to the altar, O my soul, 
cherishing the emotions of lively benevolence 
for all mankind. Embrace in thy benevolent 
regard the whole human race. Resolve to 
promote by ardent and persevering exertion 
the welfare of thy fellow men. The disciple 
of a Redeemer who went about doing good, 
let no opportunity be omitted of imitating thy 



FRIDAY EVENING, 147 

blessed Lord in acts of mercy. Following 
the steps of thy compassionate Master, visit 
the abodes of poverty and wretchedness; 
and while thy beneficence pours gladness into 
the hearts of the children of sorrow, direct 
their trust and hope to that gracious Provi- 
dence, " without whose knowledge not even a 
sparrow falleth to the ground" — direct their 
desires to those abodes of undecaying peace, 
" where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
where the weary are at rest." The blessing 
of those who were ready to perish shall de- 
scend upon thee. Animated by that spirit of 
divine love which assimilates thee to thy bless- 
ed Redeemer, he will acknowledge thee, at his 
holy supper, as an acceptable guest. And 
when from the fountain of grace and mercy 
opened on the altar, the streams of peace and 
joy are dispensed to thee, let thy earnest sup- 
plications be directed to heaven, that the bread 
of life may diffuse its efficacy throughout the 
earth; that all the guilty sons of men may 
have access to that blood, which washes away 
the stains of sin. 

Advance to the altar, animated with pecu- 
liar affection for those who, as Christians, are 
connected with thee by the endearing ties of the 
Redeemer's merits and grace. 

For those who are of the " household of 
faith," who, admitted into the Christian cove- 
nant, place their hopes of salvation on the 
merits and grace of that Redeemer who is 
thy only trust and refuge the most lively 



148 FRIDAY EVENING. 

emotions of affection should be chenshed, 
The sincere followers of Christ are connected 
together by the sacred ties of a Saviour's love, 
of his almighty grace renewing and animating 
their souls. These ties are destined to be as 
exalted and eternal as those celestial exercises 
which will engage the spirits of the blest, be- 
fore the throne of God, in the unceasing strains 
of adoration and praise. Look upon those 
then, O my soul, who, united with thee to the 
Redeemer by a living faith, commemorate, at 
the altar, the rich displays of his grace and 
mercy, as thy destined companions in that 
celebration of redeeming love, which, through 
eternal ages, will constitute the glory and the 
bliss of the Church Triumphant. Oh ! let the 
exalted consideration that the bands of Chris- 
tian fellowship shall never be dissolved, excite 
thy warmest affection for those with whom 
thou art destined to drink ineffable bliss at 
those streams which flow for ever in the city of 
the living God. Let the precious emblems 
of the Saviour's love, which, with his humble 
followers, thou dost receive at his holy supper, 
bind thee to them by the cords of affection, 
which no ungenerous selfishness or envy, no 
unkind suspicions or resentments shall ever 
tarnish or dissolve. Over the lively memorials 
of that infinite grace to which they are indebt- 
ed for those immortal hopes which alone cheer 
the wearisome pilgrimage of life, let the mem- 
bers of Christ's mystical body vow to each other 
sacred fellowship and affection — let them re- 



FRIDAY EVENING. 149 

solve " to put away all bitterness, and wrath, 
and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, 
with all malice — and to be kind one to another, 
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as 
God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them." 

And as the perfection and consummation 
of Christian charity, the devout communicant 
should advance to the altar, heartily disposed to 
forgive and to love his enemies. 

It was the pressing injunction of our dying 
Master; it is made the condition of our re- 
ceiving forgiveness at the hands of our Al- 
mighty Judge ; it is constituted by our Lord 
the sacred plea by which we are to supplicate 
forgiveness from heaven, that we forgive others 
their trespasses against us. The forgiveness of 
our enemies consists in exercising towards 
.hem those benevolent affections which, by 
the constitution of human nature, and the 
command of God, we are bound to exercise 
towards all mankind; in the ready expression 
of our good will to them ; in refraining from 
every act of unkindness or resentment towards 
them ; and in a cordial desire and disposition 
to effect a reconciliation with them. As it is 
one of the most difficult virtues, so it is one of 
the most noble and exalted — in the highest 
degree perfective of human nature, and fruit- 
ful of the highest joys. It rescues us from 
those painful anxieties which agitate the breast 
that is the seat of gloomy revenge. It sheds 
that delightful tranquillity which is alone the 
portion of the bosom that is at peace with the 

13* 



150 FRIDAY EVENING 

world. It animates the soul with the elevateo 
reflection, that in overcoming the passion of 
revenge, she has gained the most sublime vic- 
tory. It assimilates man to that gracious and 
merciful Being, who doeth good to the un- 
thankful and the evil. It advances him into 
resemblance to that divine Saviour, who, in 
the ardours of infinite love, supplicated pardon 
for the enemies who hunted him to the cross, 
The devout communicant, whose heart is pen 
etrated with the display of mercy which the 
cross affords, will bury at the foot of the altar 
all his enmities, jealousies, and resentments. 
The blood of his Saviour shed through his 
heart will extinguish every wrathful passion. 
Love to God and man, ardent, holy, and con- 
stant as the fire of the eternal altar at which 
it is kindled*, will alone animate his soul. 



AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING 

FOR THE 

HUMILIATION AND SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O eternal Son of 
God , who didst take our nature upon thee, and for us 
didst become obedient wito deaths ewn the death of the 
cross. 

That when, by rebellion against our Sovereign 
God and merciful Father, we had fallen from our 
state of primeval rectitude and glory, had forfeited 



FRIDAY EVENING. 151 

all title to the light of God's countenance, and in- 
curred his indignation and wrath— that when justice 
urged our excision, and divine holiness demanded 
the vindication of a violated law — that when among 
the host of heaven " there was none to help ;" among 
the innumerable orders of created beings " there 
was none to uphold," none whose " arm could bring 
salvation" for us — that in this our hopeless state of 
condemnation and misery, when the mercy of the 
Almighty Father prompted, thou didst willingly un- 
dertake the office of our Redeemer ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O eternal Son of God. 

That thou, who " wast with the Father before 
the world was," " the brightness of his glory, and 
the express image of his person" — thou, whom 
cherubim and seraphim adored, and to whom the 
host of heaven bowed submissive — didst condescend 
to vail thy glory in our miserable nature ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O eternal Son of God. 

That thou didst relinquish the felicity of the God- 
head, to be born in our nature, of an humble and 
obscure family : to be ushered into the world among 
the beasts of the stall ; and to sustain the wants 
and pains of infancy and childhood — when thou 
couldst have commanded the homage of the uni- 
verse, and encircled thyself with celestial majesty 
and splendour ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
denial Son of God. 

That thou, whom angels and archangels counted 
it their glory to serve, didst thyself become subject to 
thy parents, rendering them reverence and obedi- 
ence ; and through the whole of thy benevolent life 
didst become the servant of mankind, in administer- 
ing to their necessities ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal Son of God. 



152 FRIDAY EVENING. 

That in the prosecution of the benevolent work 
of our redemption, thou didst sustain want, and 
suffering, and sorrow ; and didst even wander with- 
out a place to lay thy head, — when thou wast enti- 
tled to the eternal throne of universal dominion ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal So?i of God. 

That thou didst encounter shame, indignity, and 
insult ; didst associate with the refuse of mankind , 
and patiently didst submit to the charge of acting 
in concert with the prince and powers of darkness 
— when thou couldst have commanded, for thy at- 
tendants, the brightest seraphs that minister in the 
court of heaven ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal Son of God. 

That in the day of thy humiliation, as a suffering 
Saviour, thou didst become " a man of sorrows, and 
acquainted with grief;" that, laden with the sins of 
a guilty world, thou didst appear " without form 01 
comeliness," " thy visage marred more than any 
man, and thy form more than the sons of men" — 
that in the garden of Gethsemane thou didst, friend- 
less and alone, " tread the wine-press" of thy Fa 
ther's wrath, and " drink the dregs of that cup of 
trembling" which infused direful horrors through 
thy soul, and bathed thy convulsed body in a bloody 
sweat ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal Son of God. 

That thou didst submit to be betrayed by one ot 
thy disciples, and " led as a lamb to the slaughter" 
by thy implacable enemies; that, deserted by thy 
timid and faithless followers, thou didst patiently 
submit, in the hall of the high priest, and at the tri- 
bunal of Pilate, to be unjustly arraigned and con- 
demned, to be buffeted and spit upon, scourged and 



FRIDAY EVENING. 153 

mocked— when thy omnipotent word could have 
struck to the earth thy vengeful adversaries ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal Son of God. 

That thou didst patiently labour under the load 
of the ignominious cross on which thou wast to suf- 
fer—and, condemned as a malefactor, didst, amidst 
the cruel taunts of thy enemies, sustain the agonies 
of death, made more dreadful to thy spirit by the 
wrath of thy Father ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal Son of God, 

That for us men, and for our salvation, these 
painful sufferings, this ignominious and cruel death 
were patiently sustained— that thou wast " wound- 
ed for our transgressions, and bruised for our ini- 
quities, that the chastisement of our peace was upon 
thee, and that by thy stripes we are healed ;" 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O most Holy Jesus, 
eternal So?i of God. 

That by thy sufferings and death thou hast sealed 
the truth of thy doctrines, and exhibited a bright 
and affecting example of those graces of humility, 
meekness, and love, which thou dost call us to prac- 
tise ; that by thy suffering life and agonizing death, 
thou hast powerfully enforced thy instructions, ren- 
dered an all-sufficient atonement for sin, and shed 
divine lustre on that path of humble and holy obe- 
dience by which we are to ascend to the glorious 
bliss of thy eternal kingdom ; 

Praises evermore be unto thee, O eternal Son of 
God, who didst take our nature upon thee, and for us 
didst become obedient unto death, even the death of the 
cross. 



154 FRIDAY tfVF.W*TW 



THE PRAYER. 



" Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son 
to be both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example 
of godly life ; give me grace that I may always 
most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit? 
and also daily endeavour myself to follow the bless- 
ed steps of his most holy life." O most blessed and 
merciful Jesus, eternal Son of God, who didst suffer 
for iniquities not thine own, and by the shedding of 
thy most precious blood didst pay the infinite price 
of our redemption ; may the contemplation of thy 
bitter sufferings excite in my heart the emotions of 
lively gratitude to thee, my gracious Redeemer, who 
couldst stoop from the glory and felicity of the God- 
head, and encounter shame, sorrow, persecution, 
and death, to achieve my deliverance and salvation. 
Contemplating, with frequent and holy admiration 
thy infinite condescension and love, may I regard 
no sacrifices too dear, no service too exalted to tes- 
tify my sensibility and gratitude. Let me not incur 
the awful guilt of contemning the affecting motives 
to repentance exhibited by thy precious blood, shed 
to atone for my sins. Beholding, in the agonies of 
thy cross, both the fearful display of the justice of 
God, and the attractive lustre of his infinite mercy, 
may the emotions of holy apprehension and love 
unite to excite in my heart the resolution of serving 
thee. O let me not sink under the condemnation 
of having contemned thy bitter agonies, of having 
trampled thee under foot, of having put thee to an 
open shame, of having crucified thee afresh, by my 
transgressions. Over the emblems of thy suffer- 
ings, displayed on the altar, may I resolve to re- 
nounce all my sins; and may I offer thee a heart 
penetrated with the emotions of contrition, grati- 



FRIDAY EVENING. 155 

tude, and love. And O thou compassionate Re- 
deemer, in whose suffering life the virtues of humil- 
ity, patience, and divine charity shone forth with 
the most exalted lustre — may the example thou hast 
set me be the subject of my constant and devout 
meditations ; and warmed with the glorious view, 
may I resolve to imitate thy divine humility, pa- 
tience, and love. May the contemplation of thy 
cross, on which, in the agonies of death, thou didst 
pour forth the earnest prayer for pardon on thy re- 
lentless enemies, disarm in my soul every purpose 
of resentment, and quicken the emotions of forgive- 
ness and kindness. Eternal Spirit ! fountain of di- 
vine love ! shed abroad in my heart that sacred 
charity for all mankind, that tender affection and 
sympathy for the members of Christ's mystical 
body, by which I shall be conformed to the likeness 
of my blessed Redeemer, and made meet for his 
eternal kingdom of peace and joy. Holy Spirit ! 
when I approach that banquet, where Christians 
commemorate their Saviour's mercy, and testify 
that they are partakers of the same blessed privi- 
leges and hopes, may thy grace subdue every re- 
sentful and angry passion, and enkindle the flame 
of divine charity. May my soul embrace in its ar- 
dent affection the holy company of the redeemed, 
who meet at the altar to celebrate the immortal tri- 
umphs and blessings of their Saviour's mercy. May 
thy grace unite me to them in the bands of sympa- 
thy and friendship, and excite me uniformly to ex- 
ercise towards them the virtues of gentleness, for- 
bearance, and love. Thus, O my Saviour, by ful- 
filling that law of celestial kindness which thou didst 
so earnestly and repeatedly enjoin, may I exhibit to 
the world the engaging lustre of thy blessed religion. 
Thus cherishing the spirit of divine love in the ex- 
ercise of forbearance and forgiveness, may I ever be 



156 SATURDAY MORNING. 

acknowledged by thee as an acceptable guest at thy 
holy table ; and finally be admitted to the celestial 
supper of the Lamb ; to the participation of the 
everlasting festival of love in thy heavenly king- 
dom ; to the hallowed chorus of angels and arch- 
angels, and the spirits of the just, celebrating in 
unceasing strains the majesty and glory of God, 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for ever 
and ever. Amen. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 



MEDITATION. 

The devout participation of the Ordinances of the Church, the appointed 
method of Salvation. 

No truth can be more evident to reason, 
than that God has a right to prescribe what 
method he pleases for the salvation of man- 
kind. Dependent upon him as their Creator 
and their Judge, deriving from him life and all 
its enjoyments, which they hold by the depend- 
ent tenure of his sovereign will, they are bound 
by every tie of duty, interest, and gratitude, 
implicitly to fulfil his injunctions. By obedi- 
ence to his commands, they acknowledge his 
supreme authority over them, and attain that 
perfection and happiness for which they were 
destined. By resistance to his will, they for- 
feit that purity and bliss, which are only to be 
found in the enjoyment of his favour. When 
we further consider man as a fallen creature, 



SATURDAY MORNING. 157 

subject to the punishment of his offended 
Judge, we shall be compelled to acknowledge, 
that he can have no hope of forgiveness but 
on those terms and conditions which God may 
prescribe. If, then, God hath seen fit to dis- 
pense his mercy and grace through the ordi- 
nances of a church, by communion with which 
guilty and condemned man is to be restored 
to virtue and happiness — who is he that will 
resist his will ? To dispute the propriety of his 
institutions, to doubt the efficacy of the means 
which he hath established, would be a pre- 
sumptuous contempt of his mercy and power, 
a wilful rejection of his proffered grace. Con- 
temning the means which he hath instituted 
for our salvation, we should aggravate to the 
deepest dye the guilt of rebellion against our 
almighty Sovereign and Judge ; and without 
any plea to extenuate our guilt, we should 
sink under the avenging arm of his justice. 

That in order to our deliverance from the 
condemnation and wrath which our sins have 
incurred, and to our restoration to the favour 
of God, we must humbly and devoutly parti- 
cipate of the ordinances of the church, is a 
truth, therefore, which rests on the simple 
fact, that God hath instituted these ordinan- 
ces as the means of salvation, the channels 
of mercy and grace. 

To be fully satisfied of this fact, and to be 
rightly informed in the necessity, the nature, 
and efficacy of the ordinances of the church, 
deeply concerns us. Our eternal happiness 

11 



158 SATURDAY MC RNING* 

depends on our submission to the means and 
conditions of salvation which God hath pre- 
scribed. And the ordinances of the church 
will appear unnecessary and useless ; they 
will exhibit no claim to our reverence, atten- 
tion, or obedience, unless we regard them as 
instituted by God himself, and accompanied, 
when duly administered and received, by his 
grace and mercy. 

It must be evident, therefore, that a deep 
conviction of the necessity and inestimable 
benefits of the ordinances of the church is 
necessary to an humble and enlightened par- 
ticipation of them. It will, therefore, be high- 
ly useful and proper, that the Christian who 
is engaged in preparing for the reception of 
the holy eucharist, the most sublime act of 
Christian worship, should be impressed with 
the important truth, that the ordinances of 
the church are appointed by God, and that 
they are the instituted pledges of his mercy 
and grace. He should be deeply impressed 
with the important truth, that by the devout 
participation of them, we preserve our com- 
munion with the church, for which the Re- 
deemer shed his blood, and thus become enti- 
tled to the blessings of that covenant of mercy 
which God hath promulgated to a guilty world. 
When we firmly believe that the power of God 
accompanies the due administration of his or- 
dinances; that through them, in the exercise 
of faith, we become united to the Redeemer, 
and interested in his atonement and grace; 



SATURDAY MORNING. 159 

the devout participation of the holy eucharist 
will appear necessary to our salvation. Its 
high and awful import, as a channel of divine 
mercy and grace, impressed upon our minds, 
will tend to quicken and exalt our reverence^ 
our penitence, our faith, our gratitude and 
love. Turn then, O my soul, to the consider- 
ation of the humble, but, through the grace 
and blessing of God, powerful means which he 
hath instituted for thy salvation ! 

That the truths of religion should be com 
memorated, and its blessings conveyed by ex- 
ternal rites, is perfectly agreeable to the na- 
ture of man. His senses are the principal 
inlets of his knowledge, and through them the 
most lively and permanent impressions are 
made on his mind. There is no truth which 
the consideration of human nature, and the 
testimony of daily experience, more strongly 
establish, than that man is swayed more by 
his passions than by his reason. By the impres- 
sive power of external rites and emblems you 
gain access to his passions ; you awaken, you 
guide and control them. So great is the in- 
fluence of external rites on the mind, that men 
in all ages have had recourse to them to per- 
petuate the memory of signal achievements, 
and to excite and preserve the sentiments of 
religion. The nature of man, therefore, re- 
quired that the important truths of religion 
should be impressed on the mind by external 
emblems and rites. By these figurative insti- 
tutions, spiritual arid abstract truths, which are 



160 SATURDAY MORNING 

so difficult of apprehension, are clearly con 
veyed; the understanding is enlightened; the 
imagination and the feelings, those powerful 
springs of human action, are roused. Ordi- 
nances and rites, instituted by God himself, as 
memorials of those exalted displays of mercy 
by which our redemption was effected, power- 
fully tend to confirm our faith, to enliven our 
gratitude, to cherish our love. They keep up 
the lively remembrance of the wonderful mer- 
cy and grace of God, and exhibit, in the most 
impressive manner, the glorious achievements 
by which our Redeemer subdued the adversa- 
ries of our salvation. 

Wonder not then, O my soul, that the infi 
nitely wise Creator of the universe should con 
descend, in all its dispensations to the world, 
to consult the nature of man, and to institute 
ordinances as memorials of his love, and chan- 
nels of his mercy and grace. Even in that state 
of primitive perfection, where the ever-blessed 
Jehovah vouchsafed to hold immediate con- 
verse with the favoured parents of our race, 
figurative emblems w T ere instituted to remind 
them of their duty, to convey and recall to them 
their glorious privileges and hopes. The tree 
of the knowledge of good and evil constantly re- 
minded them of the obligation of obedience to 
the sovereign Author of their being, and of all 
their mercies; and powerfully impressed on 
their remembrance the awful penalty of con- 
temning the commands of their almighty Law- 
giver and Judge. The tree of life, to which 



SATURDAY MORNING. 161 

they had constant access, was the seal and 
pledge of that immortality which was to be 
the glorious reward of their obedience. After 
the fall had involved them in the curse of trans- 
gression, had stripped them of their purity and 
glory, and rendered them obnoxious to the 
wrath of God, the hope of mercy was lighted 
up in their minds by the institution of sacrifices, 
which their offended God made the channels 
to his favours. While the shedding of the 
blood of beasts on the altar awakened in the 
soul of fallen man the recollection of his guilt, 
which required expiation, it carried forward 
his joyful view to the promised victim, the infi- 
nite efficacy of whose blood would wash away 
the stain of sin. When, in the further unfold- 
ing of that plan of redemption which was to be 
finally consummated in the glorious promul- 
gation of the Gospel, God chose a particular 
family and nation to be the repositories of his 
will, and the heirs of his promises ; the rite of 
circumcision was instituted, to be both a lively 
memorial of duty and a pledge of the Divine 
favour. Take a view of the Jewish law, and 
you will find that its numerous, significant, and 
splendid rites, were the instituted means by 
which the people of Israel maintained their 
communion with God; gratefully commemo- 
rated the deliverance which his almighty arm 
wrought for them, and laid their claim to his 
blessing and everlasting favour. 

When he, the glorious seed of the woman, 
whose promised appearance kindled the first 

14* 



162 SATURDAY MORNING. 

gleam of hope which illumined the souls of the 
wretched parents of our race after their re- 
bellion against God — he, whose joyful day the 
fathers beheld and were glad — when he, to 
whom all the prophets and the law bore wit- 
ness, appeared to complete the work of re- 
demption, by the shedding of his blood; the 
same plan of Divine Providence which had 
distinguished the preceding dispensations was 
still preserved. Through the channel of rites 
and ordinances were the mercy and grace of 
God to be conveyed ; by them were the glo- 
rious achievements to be commemorated by 
which our redemption was effected. A church 
was instituted, which was to be the repository 
of the laws, of the mercy and grace of God. 
Destined to be everlasting in its duration, it 
was the promise of the Divine Founder of the 
church, that the gates of hell should not pre- 
vail against it. Officers were appointed to 
rule it; to administer its ordinances; to con- 
duct its worship ; to enact its laws ; to exe- 
cute its discipline — and with them, successive- 
ly deriving their power from him, the Redeem- 
er promised to be " alway, even to the end of 
the world." 

Into this church, the " body," which derives 
life, strength, and salvation from Christ its 
head, baptism was instituted as the sacred rite 
of admission. In this regenerating ordinance, 
fallen man is born again from a state of con- 
demnation into a state of grace; he obtains a 
title to the presence of the Holy Spirit, to the 



SATURDAY MORNING. 163 

forgiveness of sins, to all those precious and 
immortal blessings which the blood of Christ 
purchased. The humble Christian, who, by 
actual repentance, by lively faith, and holy 
obedience, fulfils his baptismal engagements, 
is invested in the rite of confirmation with all 
those spiritual blessings which baptism con- 
ditionally conferred, with the manifold and 
strengthening aids of the Holy Ghost, (Acts 
viii. 17.) In the worship of the sanctuary, he 
maintains that intercourse with heaven, by 
which his faith is confirmed, his love quicken- 
ed, his resolutions of obedience strengthened, 
his soul prepared for the blissful services of 
the church and temple of God eternal in the 
heavens. By that powerful grace which ac 
companies the preaching of the word, the terrors 
of the law are impressed on the hearts of the 
careless ; the promises of mercy applied to the 
trembling conscience of the penitent ; divine 
light, consolation, and triumph poured upon 
the path which conducts the Christian to im- 
mortal glory. In that most sublime ordinance, 
the holy eucharist, are centred all the blessings 
of the Redeemers mercy, and the almighty 
energies of his grace and love. In the parti- 
cipation of it, the devout believer offers unto 
God the acceptable sacrifice of thanksgiving 
for the infinite mercies of redemption. He 
becomes united to his Saviour in the bonds of 
the everlasting covenant. The pardon of his 
sins, the renovating and consoling guidance 
of divine grace, the love and favour of his re- 



164 SATURDAY MORNING. 

conciled Father and God, a title to immoital 
felicity, are conveyed and sealed to him by the 
body and blood of Christ, of which, under live- 
ly emblems, he partakes. 

Behold then, O my soul, the same glorious 
plan distinguishing all the divine dispensations. 
It hath pleased the Sovereign Lord of the uni- 
verse uniformly to dispense his mercy and 
grace through the channel of ordinances and 
rites, instituted as the means and pledges of sal 
vation. Humble and insignificant to the eye 
of sense, to the proud and presumptuous mind, 
may appear the rites which Jehovah makes 
the pledges of his mercy, the means of re- 
demption to his fallen creatures. But faith 
will discern in them the power of the most 
high God, whose ways are not as our ways ; 
who, both in nature and in grace, accomplishes 
the most stupendous objects by the most hum- 
ble instruments; and who more illustriously 
magnifies his power and confounds the pride 
of man, in proportion to the weakness and im- 
perfection of the agents, who effect the pur- 
poses of his sovereign will. 

The holy sacraments of the church advance 
our salvation, not only by their natural ten- 
dency to cherish faith, gratitude, penitence, 
love, and every other divine virtue, but by the 
refreshing grace and mercy which they convey 
to those who receive them worthily. They 
are not merely lively and affecting memorials, 
calculated to impress on the mind the interest- 
ing truths of redemption, and to display, by 



SATURDAY MORNING. 165 

significant emblems, the glories and triumphs 
of redeeming love. But they are instituted by 
God, as pledges of his grace and mercy ; as 
channels to convey to degenerate man spirit- 
ual blessings and privileges, ordinarily to be 
obtained in no other way. The sprinkling of 
the body with water is a significant emblem 
of the spiritual purification which we must un- 
dergo. Bread broken, and wine poured out, 
may be considered as lively symbols of the 
sufferings and death of the Saviour, in remem- 
brance of whom we eat the bread and drink 
the wine. The sacraments of baptism and 
the Lord's supper, considered in this single 
point of view, as memorials or emblems of 
the most interesting spiritual truths, are cal- 
culated to produce the most important in- 
struction and consolation. But their value 
and importance rise beyond all comparison, 
when we regard them further as the instituted 
means and pledges of all the blessings of salva- 
tion. Wherever the Gospel is promulgated, 
the sacrament of baptism is the mode through 
which we must be admitted into covenant with 
God, and by which we must obtain a title to 
those blessings and privileges which Christ has 
purchased for his mystical body, the church : 
the participation of the body and blood of 
Christ in the holy eucharist, is the mode by 
which we must become interested in the merits 
of the Saviour's death and passion, by which 
the guilt of sin must be removed, and its pow- 
er subdued in our hearts ; by which our perish- 



166 SATURDAY MORNING, 

ing natures must derive the blessing of immor 
tal glory. The holy sacraments are the insti- 
tuted means by which God conveys to the 
penitent and faithful those spiritual and im- 
mortal blessings, for which repentance, faith, 
and obedience, are necessary qualifications. 
" Repent and be baptized for the remission of 
sins." " Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of 
man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in 
you." We must sincerely repent of our sins ; 
we must heartily believe the Gospel ; we must 
walk in the paths of holy obedience ; we must 
also enter into covenant with God by baptism ; 
and ratifying our vows of allegiance and duty 
at the holy sacrament of the supper, com- 
memorate the meritorious sacrifice of Christ 
The sacraments are the means by which we 
receive the inestimable blessings of redemption 
- — the pledges by which they are assured to us. 



THE PRAYER. 

O Almighty God, who in thy wise providence 
nast appointed ordinances to be the memorials of 
thy love, and the pledges and channels of thy grace 
and mercy to a fallen world, teach me humbly to 
adore thy sovereign will, and reverently to submit 
to thy institutions. Ever cherishing a profound 
sense of thy almighty power, and of my own weak- 
ness, guilt, and dependence, may I repress the arro- 
gance which would lead me to arraign thy dispen- 
sations, or to neglect and contemn the instituted 
means of grace. Thy infinite condescension and 



SATURDAY MORNING. 167 

goodness, O God, in setting forth and conveying, 
by ordinances and rites, the blessings of salvation, 
demand my sincere and lively gratitude. May I 
devoutly magnify thy name, that, by lively symbols 
addressing and engaging my senses, thou dost pow- 
erfully impress on my understanding the awful and 
affecting mysteries of my redemption, and dost awa- 
ken the affections of my soul in thy love and ser- 
vice. Ever mindful that thy almighty power can 
give efficacy to the most humble instruments, may 
I discern, by the eye of faith, under the outward and 
visible signs of thy holy sacraments, the inward and 
spiritual grace which they signify and are designed 
to convey. Save me, O God, from the guilt and 
presumption of endeavouring to separate what thou 
hast inviolably connected ; of presuming to claim 
thy grace and mercy, while I neglect or contemn 
the means and pledges by which they are conveyed 
and assured to me. To the holy sacraments and 
ordinances of thy church may I ever have recourse, 
as the divine seals by which thy mercy is conveyed 
to my soul — the channels by which quickening, pu- 
rifying, and refreshing streams flow from the foun- 
tain of thy grace. And while I thus reverence thy 
holy ordinances, and by steadfastly and constantly 
partaking of them, keep up my communion with 
thee, my God, may I ever remember that their in- 
estimable blessings are fully conveyed only to the 
humble, the penitent, and the faithful. Teach me, 
therefore, O God, sedulously to cherish those vir- 
tues of humility, of penitence, and of faith, by which 
alone I can be a worthy partaker of thy holy sacra- 
ments, and expect to receive in them the commu- 
nications of thy grace and love. O be thou pleased 
ever to guide and aid me in my preparation for thy 
holy ordinances. Let thy preventing grace quicken 
my penitence, confirm my faith, and awaken my 



168 SATURDAY MORNING, 

gratitude and love ; that thus partaking of thy ordi- 
nances under a lively sense of my unworthiness, 
and with earnest desires for thy grace and mercy, 
they may seal to my soul the blessings of redemp- 
tion, and reinstate me in thy everlasting love and 
favour. Hear me in these my humble supplica- 
tions, O merciful God, and grant that the ordinan- 
ces of thy church establishing in my soul celestial 
graces and virtues, may prepare me for admission 
into thy heavenly kingdom, where my soul shall 
drink at the fountain of immortal pleasure, and be 
satisfied with the fulness of glory and bliss, through 
Jesus Christ my Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 



MEDITATION. 

The mode by which authority to administer the Sacraments is to be deri- 
ved from Christ, the Divine Head of the Church. 

Considering the sacraments as means and 
pledges of divine grace and mercy, it must be 
evident that their efficacy depends not on any 
inherent virtue, but on the power of God which 
accompanies them. Hence results the impor- 
tant truth, that in order to be effectual, to be 
acknowledged by God, and accompanied by 
his power, they must be administered by those 
who have received a commission for the pur- 
pose from him. It is of the utmost importance, 
therefore, to ascertain with whom God has 
vested authority to administer those sacra- 
ments which derive all their efficacy from be- 
ing administered according to his appointment. 

The Son of God, as the Redeemer of man- 
kind* was constituted by his Almighty Father 



SATURDAY MORNING. 169 

the " Head of the church." To him, as the 
King and Ruler of this spiritual kingdom, " all 
power was given in heaven and in earth." 
From him, therefore, must emanate all au- 
thority in the church. The fanatic or enthusi- 
ast, who, invading any of the ministerial func- 
tions, pretends that he has received immediately 
from God a divine commission, cannot claim 
the confidence of mankind, unless, like the 
apostles, he proves, by the exercise of miraculous 
power, that God is indeed with him. Every 
claim to the ministerial function, in the present 
day, founded on an immediate commission from 
God, must be rejected as false and impious. 
There remains, therefore, no way in which 
spiritual authority can be derived from the 
divine Head of the church, but through the 
agency of a set of men originally deriving their 
authority from Christ, and successively trans- 
mitting "it to the end of the world." 

In inquiring concerning the constitution of 
the Christian ministry, we would certainly be 
authorized in supposing, that in its orders it 
would resemble the Jewish priesthood. The 
Christian dispensation was only the glorious 
development and consummation of that divine 
system of grace and mercy, the outlines of 
which had been traced in the types and 
shadows of the Jewish ritual. As the types 
and shadows of the law were not abolished, 
but all gloriously fulfilled in the Saviour, and 
in the ordinances of his spiritual kingdom, the 
presumption surely is not unwarrantable, that 

15 



170 SATURDAY MORNING. 

as the Jewish priesthood subsisted under the 
three orders of high priests, priests, and levites, 
so the Christian ministry would be constituted 
under three orders resembling these. Accor- 
dingly, the notion was prevalent among the 
primitive fathers, that the orders of bishops, 
priests, and deacons, in the Christian church, 
were instituted in conformity to the three or- 
ders of the priesthood in the Jewish church. 

That Christ transferred all spiritual power 
in the church to the apostles, is evident from 
the commission which he gave them. " As 
my Father sent me, even so send I you." 
The Father sent him, the Prophet, the Priest, 
and Ruler of the church. The apostles, there- 
fore, were commissioned to be the prophets, 
the priests, and the governors of the church. 

That this commission was not temporary, 
and to die with the apostles ; but, on the con- 
trary, was to be perpetuated in the church, is 
evident from the concluding words of the com- 
mission : " Lo, I am with you alvvay, even to 
the end of the world" The apostles and their 
successors, therefore, were commissioned to 
promulgate the terms of salvation, to teach 
and enforce its doctrines and duties. They 
were also commissioned to intercede for and 
bless the people, and to present in the holy 
eucharist the commemorative sacrifice of the 
death of Christ. They were further commis- 
sioned to govern the church, to admit into and 

to exclude from its communion, to enact its 

♦ ... 

laws, and to administer its discipline. And 



SATURDAY MORNING. 171 

this authority was to be transmitted in the 
church " alway, even to the end of the world." 
Whether the priesthood vested with these 
nigh and spiritual powers was to subsist under 
only one order, or under several orders, with 
powers in some respects distinct and appropri- 
ate, is a question which the practice of the apos- 
tles, who were appointed by Christ to consti- 
tute the church, must determine. That the 
apostles ordained elders and deacons in the dif- 
ferent churches, and vested them with certain 
ministerial powers, will readily be admitted. 
And that there was an order constituted supe- 
rior to these, with the exclusive power of ordain- 
ing to the ministry, is a fact equally undeniable. 
In Ephesus certainly, and most probably in 
Crete, elders were at an early period appoint- 
ed, (Acts xx.17, 28.) Afterwards Paul com- 
missioned Timothy and Titus, and sent them 
to those places, for the express purpose of or- 
daining elders in every city, (1 Tim. v. 22. Ti- 
tus i. 5.) Was not this commission an absurd 
and useless one, if the elders in those places 
possessed the power of ordination ? Even al- 
lowing that the concurrence of the elders was 
necessary in ordaining to the ministry, and 
governing the church, the commission given 
to Timothy and Titus certainly proves that 
the supreme power was vested in them ; and 
that without them power in the church could 
not be legitimately exercised. That the priest- 
hood, therefore, was constituted under three 
orders ; and that to the first order belonged 



■p 



172 SATURDAY MORNING. 

the power of ordaining to the ministry, and oi 
thus perpetuating the priesthood through al) 
ages of the church, are facts established by 
the testimony of Scripture. That these or- 
ders are not now distinguished by the same 
names by which they were designated during 
the age of the apostles; that the name of 
bishop, now applied to the first order, is fre- 
quently, in the sacred writings, applied to the 
second order, are points unworthy of a moment's 
attention in this important inquiry. By the 
clear evidence of Scripture fact, the division 
of the Christian ministry into three orders; the 
appropriation of the power of ordination to the 
first order, thus constituted the only legitimate 
channel of conveying the divine commission 
necessary to the exercise of the ministry, may 
be satisfactorily proved. The changes which 
may have taken place in the names by which 
these orders have been designated, cannot 
affect the distinction of office and poiver among 
them. 

But if it should be conceived, that the Scrip- 
ture testimony on this important subject is in 
any respect dubious, where may we seek for 
satisfactory light and information ? Certainly 
in the faith and practice of the primitive church. 
These, unquestionably, afford the clearest and 
best light by which to elucidate and establish 
the meaning of Scripture in parts which ad- 
mit of doubt and controversy. Founded, as 
the primitive church was, by the inspired 
apostles; and having access, as its venerable 



SATURDAY MORNING. 173 

fathers had, to the source of divine truth and 
knowledge ; it is scarcely possible that we can 
err, if we take its universal faith and usage as 
the standard by which to interpret the sacred 
writings. To trust, indeed, to the single testi- 
mony of any one father of the church , or to 
embrace his speculative opinions or interpreta- 
tions of Scripture, would be indiscreetly to 
take as our guides, imperfect and fallible men. 
But though liable to error in judgment, the 
primitive fathers must be revered as men of 
exalted piety and integrity. As witnesses to 
matters of fact, to the doctrines which were 
universally received, and to the usages which 
universally prevailed in the church, their testi- 
mony is invaluable; and in all controverted 
points, should be decisive. Whenever we find 
the primitive fathers concur in testifying that 
any doctrine or usage was universally received 
in the church as of divine authority and institu- 
tion — to doubt or reject their testimony would 
be at once to relinquish the very foundations 
of the Christian faith. For their testimony is 
necessary to establish the canon of Scripture ; 
to prove that the books which we now receive 
as inspired books, were revered and received 
as such in the apostolic and primitive age. 

To the first writers of the church, therefore, 
we may safely recur for information in regard 
to its constitution, and the orders of the minis- 
try. As these w ere matters of fact, it is not 
possible that the primitive fathers could err in 
regard to them: and since they were men of 

15* 



174 SATURDAY MORNING. 

undoubted piety and integrity, they would not 
attempt to deceive. It may confidently be as- 
serted, that their testimony is not more clear 
and decisive, in regard to the genuineness and 
authenticity of the books of the sacred volume 
than in regard to the facts — that the ministry 
was instituted by Christ and his apostles, un 
der three distinct and subordinate orders; that 
these orders, retaining uniformly the same dis- 
tinct ecclesiastical authority, were first styled 
apostles — bishops, presbyters or eiders — and 
deacons ; and afterwards bishops — presbyters, 
priests or elders— and deacons ; that no one 
could lawfully exercise the ministry, unless 
ordained by a bishop; and that, through the 
order of bishops, as successors to the apostles, 
the priesthood was to be perpetuated, and all 
power to be derived from Christ, the supreme 
Head of the church. 

It is conceded by those who, within these 
few last centuries, have advanced the novel 
opinion of the original parity of the orders 
of the ministry, that bishops were universally 
considered in the fourth century as superior 
to presbyters and deacons. It is unfortunate 
for them, when they maintain that the supre- 
macy of bishops was an innovation on the apos- 
tolic constitution of the church, that no vesti- 
ges can be traced of a revolution which must 
have shaken the foundations of the church ; 
that no record can be found of this daring 
usurpation of authority, by a few ambitious 
presbyters, over the rest of their brethren 



SATURDAY MORNING. 175 

and that there are scarcely any two of those 
who assert this usurpation, who agree as to 
the time when it took place. Is not the con- 
clusion irresistible and irrefragable, that if the 
church universal, from the third to the six- 
teenth century, was governed by bishops, as 
superior to presbyters and deacons — and if no 
period can be ascertained when this govern- 
ment was introduced into the church, it must 
be traced to apostolic institution, and of course 
rest on divine authority ?* 

This discussion is of the highest import- 
ance to him who is preparing to receive the 
holy eucharist. For the important truth re- 
sults from it, that none can possess authority 
to administer the sacraments but those who 
have received a commission from the bishop^ 
of the church. It must be essential, therefore, 
to the efficacy of the Lord's supper, as a means 
and pledge of divine grace, that it be adminis- 
tered by those who have received lawful au- 
thority to administer it. 

To this statement, which makes the bless- 
ings of the Gospel to depend on communion 
with the church, by the participation of its 
ordinances, administered by duly authorized 
ministers, the objection may be opposed, that 
it is narrowing the path of salvation. But if a 
solicitude be commendable to prevent the path 
of salvation from being unduly narrowed and 
confined, the solicitude to prevent it from being 
made more wide and easy than God has made 

* See note A at the end of the volume. 



176 SATURDAY MORNING. 

it, is surely also commendable. To undervalue 
or remove those institutions which God hath 
established as the means of salvation, is to 
contemn his authority, and to endanger the 
souls of men. It is an unauthorized, a crimi- 
nal, a cruel charity, which would present sal- 
vation to men, strpped of those conditions on 
which it is attainable. Real charity, the cha- 
rity which most effectually promotes the wel- 
fare of men, would lead us faithfully to point 
out the conditions on which God will restore 
fallen man to his favour; and then earnestly 
and affectionately to enforce these conditions. 
In the inscrutable plan of Divine Providence, 
as it has hitherto been unfolded, every dispen- 
sation of his grace has been confined to a part 
only of mankind. Did he not call Abraham 
and his family from a corrupt world to be the 
distinguished repositories of his will, his bless- 
ing, and favour ? Were not the Jews separa- 
ted from the rest of the world, to be his chosen 
people; to whom " pertained the adoption and 
the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of 
the law, and the service of God, and the pro- 
mises ?" Are not Christians now called from 
the rest of the world to be " a chosen genera- 
tion, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people;" 
blessed with the glorious light of the Gospel, 
with the consoling and renovating efficacy of 
the Redeemer's merits and grace, with the 
splendid hopes of immortality ? In thus dis- 
tinguishing particular portions of the human 
race with his peculiar favours, God " acts ac 



SATURDAY MORNING. 17? 

cording to the counsel of his own will ;" " he 
giveth not to man an account of his doings;" 
he asserts the power of the potter over his 
clay, "to create one vessel to honour, and 
another to dishonour." As the Almighty Cre- 
ator of the world, God may distribute his fa- 
vours to mankind according to his sovereign 
pleasure. And when he finally determines the 
destinies of men, according to the improve- 
ment which they have made of the privileges 
conferred upon them, it can be no imputation 
on his justice or goodness that he distinguishes 
with peculiar favours particular portions of 
the human race, and renders them capable of 
higher bliss in a future state of existence. To 
suppose that the patriarchs, on whom shone 
the peculiar blessings of heaven ; that the fa 
voured nation of the Israelites, to whom the 
law was given in its divine majesty and lustre; 
and that Christians, under the luminous and 
glorious dispensation of the Gospel, were not 
rendered capable of higher degrees of virtue 
and happiness than the rest of mankind; would 
be to strip the favour and grace of God of their 
value and efficacy, and to render futile and con- 
temptible the ordinances which he has appoint- 
ed as the means of communion with him. 

The Judge of the whole earth indeed will 
do right. The grace of God quickens and 
animates all the degenerate children of Adam. 
The mercy of the Saviour is co-extensive with 
the ruin into which sin has plunged mankind. 
And " in every nation, he that feareth God 



178 SATURDAY MORFING. 

and worketh righteousness, is accepted with 
him/' But where the Gospel is proclaimed, 
communion with the church by the participa- 
tion of its ordinances at the hands of the duly 
authorized priesthood, is the prescribed me- 
thod of salvation. # Separation from the di- 
vinely constituted ministry of the church, when 
it proceeds from involuntary and unavoidable ig- 
norance or error, we have reason to trust will 
not intercept, from the humble, the penitent, 
and obedient, the blessings of God's favour. 
But when we humbly submit to that priest- 
hood which Christ and his apostles constitu- 
ted ; when in the lively exercise of penitence 
and faith, we partake of the ordinances ad- 
ministered by them; we maintain our com- 
munion with that church which the Redeemer 
purifies by his blood ; which he quickens by 
his Spirit; and whose faithful members he 
will finally crown with the most exalted glo- 
ries of his heavenly kingdom, The important 
truth which the universal church has uniformly 
maintained, that to experience the full efficacy 
of the sacraments, we must receive them from 
a valid authority, is not inconsistent with that 
charity which extends mercy to all who labour 
under involuntary error. But great is the guilt, 
and imminent the danger, of those who, pos- 

* In the first editions the expression was, " indispensable condition o! 
salvation;" by "which the author meant a condition with which man had 
no right to dispense. And he supposed his meaning would not be misun- 
derstood, since, in the very next sentence, he expressed the opinion, that 
in certain cases there was reason to trust God would dispense with the 
condition which lie had prescribed. The meaning of the aulhi r, however, 
having been misunderstood, the passage has been altered. 



SATURDAY MORNING. 179 

sessing tie means of arriving at the knowledge 
of the truth, negligently or wilfully continue in 
a state of separation from the authorized min- 
istry of the church, and participate of ordinan- 
ces administered by an irregular and invalid 
authority. Wilfully rending the peace and 
unity of the church, by separating from the 
ministrations of its authorized priesthood ; and 
contemning the means which God in his sove- 
reign pleasure hath prescribed for their salva- 
tion ; they are guilty of rebellion against their 
almighty Lawgiver and Judge; they expose 
themselves to the awful displeasure of that 
almighty Jehovah, who will not permit his in- 
stitutions to be contemned, or his authority 
violated with impunity. 

Let it be, therefore, thy supreme care, O my 
soul, to receive the blessed sacrament of the 
body and blood of thy Saviour, only from the 
hands of those who derive their authority by 
regular transmission from Christ, the divine 
head of the church, the only legitimate source 
of power in it. Thou wilt then enjoy the as- 
surance, that his holy sacrament, which de- 
rives all its efficacy from the accompanying 
power of Christ, administered by those to 
whom he hath given his commission and au- 
thority, will be acknowledged and blessed by 
him to thy comfort and salvation; will, if hum- 
bly and devoutly received by thee, be the 
mean and pledge of his pardoning mercy and 
strengthening grace. By preserving thy com- 
munion with the authorized priesthood ; by re- 



180 SATURDAY MORNING. 

vering that ministerial authority, and submit 
ting to those institutions which thy Saviour 
established ; thou wilt maintain the unity of the 
church, and thus fulfil the high injunction of 
Christ and his apostles often repeated and 
earnestly enforced. The humble and obedient 
member of his church on earth, thou wilt finally 
be advanced to those glorious rewards which 
he hath prepared in the Church Triumphant, 
for all the faithful members of his mystical body. 
Deplorable, indeed, in this degenerate day, 
is the state of the church, where sect ariseth 
against sect, and altar against altar; where 
the apostolic ministry is invaded and viola- 
ted ; ordinances administered by invalid au- 
thority ; and that sacred " body," which should 
be " one" with its divine " Head," rent by num- 
berless schisms. Let it be the subject of thy 
earnest prayers to God, that by bestowing on 
the church the divine spirit of peace and con- 
cord, he would heal the divisions that now 
deface her glory. Let it be the object of thy 
earnest solicitude and exertions, to restore all 
who profess themselves Christians, to that 
apostolic order and ministry which were so 
long the glory of the universal church. She 
would then shine forth, as she did in the prim- 
itive ages, in the garments of glory and beauty; 
and, attracting the nations within her spiritual 
fold, would become a praise throughout the 
earth. " Jerusalem would be as a city that is 
at unity in itself. Thither the tribes would go 
up, even the tribes of the Lord, to testify unto 



SATURDAY MOHNING. 181 

Israel, and to give thanks unto the name of 
the Lord." Christians, communing with the 
authorized ministers of the church, by the par- 
ticipation of the sacraments and ordinances 
duly administered by them, would be united 
" as one fold under one shepherd ;" from their 
divine Head they would derive life, strength, 
and salvation ; partaking at the same altar of 
the sacred body and blood of their Saviour, 
they would be nourished and prepared for the 
transcendent bliss of the Church Triumphant 



THE PRAYER. 

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast " built 
thy church upon the foundation of the apostles and 
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cor 
ner-stone ;" teach me ever to bear in mind, that in 
thy wise and sovereign Providence thou hast made 
this church the channel through which thy covenanted 
mercies are conveyed to a fallen world. Blessed 
be thy name, that thou hast called me into a state 
of salvation ; and through the sacrament of bap- 
tism, conferred on me a title to the privileges of thy 
holy church. Impress on me the awful guilt and 
danger of forfeiting, by disobedience, by impeni- 
tence, or by neglect of thy holy ordinances, my title 
to the inestimable privileges of my Christian voca- 
tion. In the exercise of lively penitence and faith, 
may I humbly and thankfully partake of the ordi- 
nances of thy church ; and thus maintaining my 
communion with it, derive from Jesus, its divine 
Head, pardon, grace, consolation, eternal glory. 
May I ever value, above all worldly distinctions and 

16 



182 SATURDAY MORNING* 

pleasures, the privilege of being a member of thy 
church ; and of thus having access to the infinite 
fountain of thy grace and mercy, thy everlasting 
love. Instead of presumptuously arraigning thy 
sovereign institutions, may I gratefully and humbly 
adore thee, that by the ordinances of thy church, 
thou dost vouchsafe to confer upon me the immor- 
tal blessings which, through transgression, I had 
forfeited. 

I bless thee, O God, that by instituting officers 
in thy church, vested with a divine commission for 
the exercise of spiritual powers, thou hast made 
effectual provision for the administration of her 
sacraments and discipline, for her peace, her order, 
her unity, and glory. Almighty God, " the giver 
of all good gifts, who, of thy divine Providence, hast 
appointed divers orders in thy church, give thy 
grace, I humbly beseech thee, to all those who are 
called to any office and administration in the same ; 
and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine 
and endue them with innocency of life, that they 
may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy 
great name, and the benefit of thy holy church.'* 
Blessed Jesus, the divine Head and Redeemer of 
thy mystical body the church, who dost possess " all 
power in heaven and in earth," may "the course 
of this world be so peaceably ordered by thy govern- 
ance, that thy church may evermore serve thee in 
peace and quietness." " Clothe thy priests with 
salvation, that thy people may rejoice." Thy ser- 
vants, the bishops, in whom is vested, through thy 
mercy, the power of perpetuating in thy church, 
" to the end of the world," the divine authority of 
the priesthood, evermore guide and bless by thy 
heavenly grace ; " that they may lay hands sud- 
denly on no man, but faithfully and wisely make 



SATURDAY MORNING. 183 

choice of fit persons to serve in the sacred ministry 
of thy holy church." To them, as well as to all 
other ministers, the presbyters and deacons who 
serve in thy holy sanctuary, give thy " heavenly 
benediction ; that, both by their life and doctrine, 
they may set forth thy true and lively word, and 
rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments." 
On me, also, thy unworthy servant, shed, O merci- 
ful God, thy heavenly grace, that, by devoutly at- 
tending on the ministrations of thy priesthood, I 
may continue in the unity of thy church ; and re- 
freshed and strengthened by the mercy and grace 
dispensed through thy ordinances may serve thee 
in holiness and righteousness, all the days of my 
life, and finally be a partaker of the glory and feli 
city of thy heavenly kingdom. 

Almighty God, have mercy upon thy holy church, 
the spiritual Zion in which thou dost delight to 
dwell. " Inspire her continually with the spirit of 
truth, unity, and concord." Rebuild thou her waste 
places ; restore her in the beauty of holiness ; unite 
in her communion all those who call upon thy name; 
may they reverence thy power in the persons of the 
ministering servants of thy church, and endeavour 
to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. 
May the lamp of truth, in thy sanctuary shedding 
divine light, disperse all heresy and error, and its 
altar ever be attended by devout and holy guests. 
May the whole of thy dispersed sheep, blessed Jesus, 
be brought home to thy flock, and united in one fold 
under thee, the great Shepherd and Bishop of their 
souls, who livest and reignest with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. 



184 SATURDAY EVENING. 



SATURDAY EVENING. 



MEDITATION. 

On the Nature and Benefits of the Lord's Supper. 

And as they were eating* Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake i*, 
arid gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body. And 
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink 
ye all of it: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for 
many for the remission of sins. Matt. xxvi. 26, 27, &c. 

It was in the solemn and interesting hour, 
when a cruel death was about to separate the 
blessed Jesus from his disciples, and when 
sorrow and despondency, in the prospect of 
losing their beloved Master, had overwhelmed 
them — that our Saviour instituted a holy rite 
to be the seal of his mercy and grace, and 
enjoined it on his disciples, as the memorial 
of his dying love. Engaged in celebrating the 
passover, a rite commemorative of the deliver- 
ance of the Jews from the wrath of the de- 
stroying angel, he had been offering up the 
paschal lamb, a memorial of that lamb, whose 
blood, sprinkled on the houses of the Jews, 
had been the pledge of their deliverance. But 
the time had arrived when the shadows and 
types of the law were to be all consummated 
in the glorious person of the Saviour, whom 
they had all foreshown, to whom they had all 
borne witness. Instead of the legal victim, he 
substituted himself as the true paschal lamb, and 
to avert the wrath of divine justice from a 



SATURDAY EVENING. 185 

guilty world, offered himself up an all-sufficient 
sacrifice to his Almighty Father. He took 
bread, and consecrated it to be the symbol of 
his body, which was to be given for the sins 
of the world. He blessed the cup of wine, to 
represent his blood, which was to be shed to 
atone for sin. He appointed these sacred 
elements to be the representative symbols of the 
sacrifice of the cross, the memorial of his pre- 
cious sufferings and death, by which our re- 
demption was effected. And that the bless- 
ings of this sacrifice might be conveyed to his 
redeemed people to the end of the world, he 
gave authority to his apostles and their succes- 
sors to consecrate bread and wine as the memo- 
rials of his body and blood; through the de- 
vout participation of which, his humble and 
penitent followers should receive all the ines- 
timable blessings of his salvation. 

Contemplate, O my soul, with holy awe, this 
sacred mystery ; contemplate, with lively gra- 
titude, the inestimable blessings which thy Sa- 
viour conveys to thee, through this hallowed 
ordinance. Christians, uniting with their au- 
thorized ministers in the celebration of this 
holy sacrament, present before God a memo- 
rial of that all-sufficient sacrifice which the 
Saviour made. Receiving with lively faith the 
consecrated elements, they are made parta- 
kers of all those blessings which were purcha- 
sed by the offering which Christ made of his 
sacred body and blood. They are cleansed 
from sin ; they are restored to communion and 

16* 



186 SATURDAY EVENING. 

peace with God ; they are strengthened by the 
presence and consolations of his Holy Spirit ; 
they are preserved by the vivifying body and 
blood of Christ unto everlasting life. 

Oh ! sublime and precious mystery ! Jesus, 
exalted in glory, condescends to become, by 
representative symbols, the spiritual food, sup- 
port, and strength, of his people. Surrounding 
this holy table, Christians hear the voice of 
their blessed Redeemer pronouncing their par- 
don; they receive, as it were, from his own 
hands, the pledges of their salvation, the sa- 
cred emblems of his life-giving body and 
blood. " As often as they eat this bread and 
drink this cup, they do show forth the Lord's 
death till he come." 

Bless God, O my soul, for his infinite love 
in giving his only Son for thy redemption, 
Bless thy Saviour for graciously condescend- 
ing to institute a rite, in which, under the 
most lively and affecting emblems, thou may- 
est commemorate his death, and be made 
partaker of the benefits of his passion. Art 
thou desirous, O my soul, to obtain that peace 
and happiness which thou hast in vain sought 
from a disappointing world ? Go to the holy 
supper of thy Lord, where he waits to dis- 
pense to thee a peace which passeth all un- 
derstanding ; which the world can neither give 
nor take away; which his infinite mercy in 
spires; w T hich his almighty grace cherishes 
and which shall flourish for ever under thf 
smiles of his love. Art thou weary and heavj 



SATURDAY EVENING. 187 

laden, O my soul, under the burden of thy sins, 
under the oppressing cares and sorrows of the 
world ? Go to the altar, where the arms o" 
thy Redeemer are extended to embrace thee, 
to shield thee in his bosom from every guilty 
pang, and from every corroding sorrow. Do 
unholy passions invade thy peace ; does temp- 
tation overcome thy frail resolutions; does 
sin defile thee, O my soul, and render thee ob- 
noxious to that God who is of purer eyes than 
to behold iniquity ? Go to the altar, where 
thy gracious Redeemer sits enthroned, glo- 
rious in his power, mighty to save. By his 
almighty fiat, he will quell the tumult of thy 
guilty passions ; his heavenly grace descend- 
ing upon thee, will purify thy affections; will 
guide thee through all difficulties; will arm 
thee with victorious strength over all tempta- 
tions. In the imperfect and transitory gratifi- 
cations of the present life, thou dost in vain 
seek, O my soul, for that full and substantial 
enjoyment for which thy aspiring powers ar- 
dently pant. Go then to the altar, and re- 
ceiving with lively faith the pledges of thy Sa- 
viour's grace and mercy, enjoy a foretaste of 
that never-ending and ineffable bliss, which, in 
the kingdom of heaven, thou shalt drink at the 
everlasting fountain of perfection and love. 

Yes, O my God, thy service alone consti- 
tutes the perfection of my nature ; thy service 
alone leads to perfect and eternal bliss. I re- 
solve to choose thee, O my God, as my su- 
preme good, my unfailing and satisfying por- 



188 SATURDAY EVENING. 

tion. Blessed Jesus, thou who art the oftiy 
way of access unto the Father, conduct me to 
the light of his reconciled countenance. 



THE PRAYER. 

O merciful and gracious God, the fountain of 
being and all perfection ; I bless thee that thou hast 
created me capable of knowing, of loving, and of 
serving thee. For ever blessed be thy name, that 
when I had wandered from thee, the source of light 
and felicity, thou didst not give me up to that blind- 
ness and misery, which I had courted, and which 
would have been my merited portion. For ever 
blessed by thy name, that when, by my sins, I had 
provoked thy just displeasure, thou didst, in mercy, 
forbear to execute upon me the severity of thy aw- 
ful wrath. Blessed, for ever blessed, O God, be 
thy holy name, that thou didst even give thy only- 
begotten and well-beloved Son to suffering and 
death, to purchase my redemption. Glory be for 
ever ascribed to thee, for the inestimable gift. O 
may this display of infinite love awaken in my heart 
the emotions of lively gratitude, and penetrate me 
with compunction for having so long neglected thee, 
my gracious Redeemer and God. Dispose me now 
to choose thy service as my, highest duty, my su- 
preme delight and enjoyment. Blessed Jesus, who, 
by thy precious blood, hast atoned for my sins, and 
in the powerful grace of thy Holy Spirit, hast pro- 
vided the means of my redemption, with humble 
reverence and gratitude I adore thee for thy infinite 
love, in conveying to me, by sensible pledges, the 
assurances of thy grace and mercy, in nourishing 
and strengthening me, under lively emblems, with 



SATURDAY EVENING. 189 

&f spiritual body and blood. O may my earnest 
desires be awakened to partake in the hoty sacra- 
ment of thy supper, of thy life-giving body, of thy 
purifying blood — to seal by them my pardon, my 
peace, my restoration to holiness and eternal feli- 
city. Do thou, O God, awaken, by thy grace, these 
holy desires, and strengthen my resolutions of serv- 
ing thee. Dispel the doubts, allay the apprehen- 
sions, remove every indolent or sensual pretext, 
which would deter me from receiving the memori- 
als of my Saviour's love, the pledges of my eternal 
salvation. With lively desires, with humble peni- 
tence, and steadfast faith, approaching this holy 
table, may I be accepted and blessed, through Jesus 
Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 



MEDITATION. 

The Dispositions with which the Communicant should advance to the 

Altar. 

Thou hast reviewed, O my soul, thy spiritual 
character, privileges, and hopes. Thou hast 
sought to lay the foundation of thy prepara- 
tion for the holy eucharist, where, indeed, the 
foundation of thy spiritual life should be laid, 
in a deep conviction of thy fallen and con- 
demned state. Awakened to a sense of thy 
guilt and unworthiness, thou hast humbled 
thyself before the throne of God, in the exer- 
cises of repentance ; and, having devoted thy- 
self with renewed ardour to his service, hast 






190 SUNDAY MORNING. 

implored the succours of his Holy Spirit to 
enable thee to serve him in newness of life. 
Deeply sensible of thy need of the cleansing 
blood and renovating grace of a Saviour, thou 
hast sought to secure an interest in his merits 
and favour, by lively faith in him; and hast 
acknowledged him, in all his exalted offices, 
as the eternal Son of the Father, thy Prophet, 
thy Priest, and King. With the fervours of 
lively gratitude, thou hast traced the series of 
sufferings which thy Saviour endured with di- 
vine magnanimity and fortitude ; which, while 
they excited thy exalted admiration, served to 
confirm thy faith. Thou hast reviewed the 
sufferings by which the Saviour at once im- 
pressed the humble and forgiving spirit of his 
Gospel, and made an all-sufficient expiation 
for thy sins. About to participate of an ordi- 
nance which derives all its efficacy from its 
divine Institutor, thou hast attentively con- 
sidered the important truth, that God conveys 
his grace and favour through the channel of 
rites and ordinances, administered by a priest- 
hood deriving their authority from the divine 
Head of the church. Happy art thou, O my 
soul, if, through divine grace, that holy and 
spiritual life, which the sacred exercises in 
which thou hast been engaged are calculated 
to form in thee, has been excited or confirmed, 
[f thou hast sincerely sought the mercy and 
favour of thy God, dismiss now every doubt or 
apprehension ; and resolve to quicken thy re- 
pentance, to confirm thy faith, to animate thy 



SUNDAY MORNING. 191 

zeal, to seal thy vows of duty in the holy eu- 
charist. Resolve to seek those strengthening, 
enlivening, and immortal graces which, in this 
ordinance, are bestowed upon the penitent and 
faithful soul. 

Consider this sacred rite as a lively and af- 
fecting memorial of the death of Christ ; and 
receive the symbols of his sufferings with hum- 
ble penitence. 

The altar presents an almighty victim, con- 
sumed as a sacrifice to divine justice. Call to 
mind then, at the altar, the affecting truth, that 
thy wilful rebellion against the righteous au- 
thority of God, rendered it necessary that the 
eternal Son should descend from the throne of 
his glory, to vindicate and satisfy, by his death, 
the honour of the divine government, the 
claims of divine justice. Behold thy Saviour 
laid on the cross, as on an altar, where the 
holiness and justice of an offended God fully 
satisfied their claims. See his blessed body, 
innocent and pure as the divine soul which 
animated it, smitten, scourged, and bruised. 
Behold issuing from his wounded side that 
precious blood which purchased the life of the 
world. Ah ! shall I deliberately crucify afresh 
that sacred body which my sins at first fasten- 
ed on the cross ? Shall I tear open the wounds 
which the fury of a barbarous multitude inflict- 
ed on the sacred body of the Redeemer of 
men? Oh! just and heavy will be my con- 
demnation, if, with a heart unsubdued and im- 
penitent, I approach the altar where the Sa- 



192 SUNDAY MORNING. 

viour is exhibited, sustaining the inflictions of 
his Father's wrath, and expiating my guilt. 

Tremble, lukewarm and impenitent soul, 
lest the symbols of the body and blood of that 
Redeemer, to whose astonishing love thou art 
insensible, instead of proving the pledges of 
divine favour, seal the sentence of condemna- 
tion on thy ingratitude and contempt. Yes, 
the altar displays only terror and wrath to the 
impenitent. But to the humble spirit, who is 
oppressed by the anxious apprehension that 
she does not yet possess that lively contrition, 
and fervent affection, which would render her 
worthy to partake of the supper of the Lord — - 
to her, the altar conveys the consoling accents 
of mercy. The very fears that oppress thee, 
timid and doubting penitent, are the strongest 
proofs of an exquisite sensibility to the claims 
of thy Saviour's love; they are the best evi- 
dence that thou dost possess that meek and 
contrite spirit, which it is the Saviour's office 
and delight to sooth and comfort. 

Behold then, my soul, in the sufferings and 
death of Christ, commemorated on the altar 
both an exhibition of the indignation of God 
against sin, and of the infinite compassion of 
the Son of God, in offering himself up an all- 
sufficient victim to turn from thee the wrath 
of heaven, Let this view excite a holy soli- 
citude to escape the penalties due to thy sins 
— a lively and ingenuous sorrow for their base- 
ness and enormity. Humbled at the feet of 
the Saviour, confess, lament, and renounce the 



SUNDAY MORNING. 193 

sins which occasioned his sufferings— lay them 
on the altar of his love— they shall be blotted 
out for ever by his precious blood, which ta- 
keth away the sins of the world. 

Receive the symbols of the Saviour's suffer- 
ing and death with lively gratitude. 

This ordinance, by forcibly displaying the 
agonizing sufferings of the Saviour, serves to 
excite the most lively sense of his infinite love. 
Sufferings and agony inconceivable the Son of 
God encountered, to redeem the wretched race 
of man. From the manger at Bethlehem to 
the hill of Calvary, poverty, contumely, scorn, 
persecution, like indignant waves, pressed 
upon him, till at length his soul sunk under the 
floods of divine wrath. Ah ! we shall not won- 
der at the bitter agonies which overwhelmed 
him, when we consider the tremendous conflict 
which he sustained with the king of terrors ; 
who, dreading the near dissolution of his reign, 
exerted his most vigorous efforts to crush the 
almighty Conqueror, who threatened to bind 
him in chains. Oh ! w T hat pangs convulsed 
the Saviour, when on the cross he bowed un- 
der the load of human guilt ! Forsaken in this 
dark hour by the smiles of his Father's love, 
which had hitherto supported him, he uttered 
the piercing cry, " My God, my God, why hast 
thou forsaken me ?" In this direful moment 
dismay seized the bosom of nature, which 
heaved in dreadful agitation, as if in unison 
with the groan that terminated the agonies 
of the Lord of life. O my soul, for thee the 

17 






194 SUNDAY MORNING 

Redeemer sunk under these accumulated ago* 
nies. Shall not the symbols of his sufferings 
excite the ardent emotions of gratitude to him 
who displayed for thee this infinite love ? By 
this compassionate Saviour, thou hast been 
redeemed from the dominion of sin and death 
— from everlasting misery and wo. By the 
sacrifice of his death, thou art restored to the 
favour of God, and to the glorious hope of the 
bliss of heaven. The inestimable blessings 
which he purchased for thee, thou art called 
to acknowledge in the affecting rite which he 
instituted, when the painful death awaited him, 
that was to consummate his sufferings. Oh ! 
let the tears of devout gratitude be shed over 
the emblems of thy Saviour's dying love. 

Offer to thy blessed Redeemer, at the altar, 
vows of ardent devotion to his service. 

Redeeming thee, O my soul, by the sacrifice 
of his cross, from the ignominious bondage of 
sin and Satan, from the curse of eternal death; 
and purchasing for thee the inestimable bless- 
ings of pardon, peace, and everlasting life, he 
establishes a supreme claim to thy homage, 
thy love, and obedience. He becomes thy 
rightful Sovereign, Lord, and Master. He 
can claim thy sincere and holy obedience as a 
right ; thou art bound to render it to him as 
a just debt of gratitude and love. By ardent 
devotion to his service ; by generous, tender, 
and active love to mankind, whom he died to 
redeem ; thou must manifest thy sensibility to 
his infinite compassion, and discharge the ob- 



SUNDAY MORNING. 195 

ligations by which thou art bound to him. No 
period can be more proper to offer to the Sa- 
viour the vows of love and duty than the period 
when thou art commemorating the infinite 
sacrifice of his precious death, which was the 
price of thy redemption. Consider the state 
of guilt, of condemnation, and misery, to which 
sin had reduced thee. Contemplate the ex- 
alted blessings of that spiritual redemption 
which the Saviour wrought for thee. The 
pangs of guilt he hath exchanged for the com- 
forts of a good conscience; the apprehen- 
sions of the wrath of God, for the joys of the 
divine favour; the curse of a mortal and 
perishing body, for a body incorruptible and 
glorious; the sorrows and trials of this mortal 
life, for the bliss and glories of an immortal 
existence. The almighty grace and love which 
achieved this glorious redemption, and which 
still assure it to the humble and penitent, are 
set forth in the commemorative sacrifice of the 
eucharist. Go then, my soul, to the festival 
which celebrates this infinite love of the Sa- 
viour, adoring his infinite compassion ; tri- 
umphing in the glorious victories of his grace; 
rendering to him who bought thee by his blood 
the vows of allegiance and duty. Let the pre- 
cious symbols of the altar, the lively memori- 
als of the victorious love of the Saviour, im- 
press upon thee his claims to thy sincere and 
holy obedience. Over the emblems of his 
body and blood, offered for thy redemption, 
seal the grateful vows of duty, which shall bind 



196 SUNDAY MORNING. 

thee for ever to thy Lord. Almighty Redeem- 
er, purchased by thy blood, to thee I wholly 
surrender myself. All the powers of my soul, 
all its desires and hopes, shall be engaged in 
thy service, and centre in thy love. Ah ! shall 
I be reluctant in the service of a Master, with 
whom I am connected by the most endearing 
ties ? Shall I murmur at the sacrifices to which 
that Redeemer calls me, who, in effecting my 
redemption, was deterred by no difficulties, 
and shrunk from no pains ? No, my Saviour, 
the constraining power of thy love shall render 
easy to me all thy commands, and even endear 
to me the self-denial and ignominy of thy cross. 
Receiving the symbol of thy crucified body, the 
glorious pledge of my redemption, I will vow 
thee eternal allegiance. Receiving the symbol 
of thy precious blood, the divine fountain of 
life and bliss, I will devote myself to thee, O 
my Saviour, who knowest the weakness of 
my heart, and its proneness to forget thee ; 
strengthen me to perform the resolutions by 
which I now enlist under thy banner, and at- 
tach myself to thy service. 

Advance to the altar, relying supremely on the 
merits and grace of that Saviour whose all-suffi- 
cient sacrifice for sin thou art to commemorate. 

There is no other name, but the name of 
Jesus, whereby the perishing race of man can 
be saved. His infinite sacrifice, the meritori- 
ous propitiation for sin, is commemorated in 
the holy eucharist, where he is set forth as the 
aL-sufficient Saviour of his people To set up 



SUNDAY MORNING. 197 

any claim of forgiveness in opposition to the 
all-sufficient atonement which he made; to 
rely for acceptance at the throne of God on 
our own merits, when he offers his all-perfect 
righteousness to sanctify and save us — would 
be to derogate from the infinite efficacy of his 
precious blood, and to dishonour that all-per- 
fect righteousness, which alone can answer the 
claims of divine holiness. Ah ! when I con- 
template the terrors which issue from the 
throne of my offended Judge, I bless thee, O 
my Saviour, that I can flee for refuge to thy 
protecting bosom — I bless thee, that, in the 
holy sacrament of thy love, thou dost apply 
to me the saving merits of thy body, given 
for my sins ; and dost sprinkle my guilty soul 
with the precious blood that was shed for my 
redemption. 

Go then, O my soul, to the altar where the 
emblems of the body and blood of the Saviour 
are set forth as the pledges of mercy and 
spiritual life; renouncing every dependence 
but the merits and grace of thy Redeemer. 
Unworthy so much as to gather up the crumbs 
under his table, go, and derive pardon, com- 
fort, strength, and salvation, at the banquet of 
his precious body and blood. Go — earnestly 
desiring his mercy, and adoring him as thy 
all-sufficient Saviour; and he will confer on 
thee the everlasting treasures of his love 
However great the attainments which through 
his grace thou hast made in virtue, rely not 

on them as the pledges of thy peace with 

17 # 






198 SUNDAY MORNING. 

heaven, when thou dost behold the all-suffi- 
cient sacrifice of his cross. In the blood of 
Jesus, set forth in his holy sacrament, thou 
wilt find the only expiation of thy guilt ; from 
the fountain of grace there opened, are spirit- 
ual life and consolation dispensed. Seated on 
the altar, as an almighty and compassionate 
Saviour, he presents to the faithful, through 
his authorized ministers, the symbols of his 
body and blood given and shed for them. 
Take, eat, this is my body, which was given 
for you — let it be the pledge of your salva- 
tion, of your vital union with me, your Re- 
deemer. Drink — this is my blood, which was 
shed for you — let it be the fountain of pardon, 
of comfort, of everlasting joys. Wonder, O 
my soul, at the riches of the Saviour's mercy ! 
Wonder, O my soul, at the fulness of his grace! 
Go, ye faithful, to the altar, where Jesus is 
waiting to receive you, triumphing in his mer- 
cy, his power, and his love. Wounded with a 
sense of guilt, go, and receive the balm of di- 
vine mercy, with which the Saviour pacifies 
the awakened conscience. Labouring under 
the thraldom of sinful passions, go, and receive 
grace to overcome their dominion. Despond- 
ing and sorrowing under the trials of your pil- 
grimage, go, and receive from your Saviour 
celestial comfort. Humble, weak, and perish- 
ing, go, and receive strength, support, everlast- 
ing life — go, and embrace by faith that blessed 
Redeemer who hath promised to visit his peo- 
ple with his salvation, to dwell with them as 



SUNDAY MORNING. 199 

their guide, their comforter, their everlasting 
portion and reward. 

Yes, my Saviour, encouraged by the solici- 
tations of thy love, I will go to thy altar, and 
commemorate with the faithful the riches of 
thy mercy ; with them implore the manifesta- 
tions of thy grace. When I receive the sa- 
cred emblems of thy body and blood, O do 
thou manifest thyself to my soul. Come, and 
reign in me for ever, my Saviour, my Lord, 
my Almighty King. 



THE PRAYER. 

Blessed Jesus, who hast given thyself to be the 
life of the world ; and hast graciously instituted the 
sacrament of thy holy supper, to be a lively memo- 
rial of thy infinite love, and pledge of thy grace and 
mercy ; behold me, thy unworthy servant, waiting 
upon thee for pardon, for strength, and salvation — 
Lead me, O my Saviour, to thy altar, and there dis- 
play thyself to my soul, in the glorious fulness of thy 
mercy and power. 

"I do not presume to come to this thy table, O 
Lord, trusting in my own righteousness, but in thy 
manifold and great mercies." Sin has defiled my 
soul ; has laden with guilt my conscience ; has ren- 
dered me utterly unworthy of thy favour ; has ex- 
posed me to thy just and everlasting wrath. Bless- 
ed be thy name, O Lord, that in thee there is mercy 
and plenteous redemption. Humbly confessing my 
unworthiness and guilt, and casting myself on thy 
n finite compassion, O do thou convey to me, in thy 
aoly supper, the forgiveness of my sins, my title to 



200 SUNDAY MORNING. 

thy love and everlasting favour. To thy service I 
desire to devote myself — to thee ? O my God, I vow 
steadfast obedience and homage. O accept me at 
thy holy table as thy devoted servant and subject. 
Seal to my soul the blessings of the everlasting cove- 
nant. Thee, O my Saviour, I adore as my Lord 
and my God. To thy celestial instructions I will 
evermore hearken ; to thy all-sufficient atonement 
I will evermore flee ; to the sceptre of thy grace I 
will evermore willingly bow. Receive and acknow- 
ledge me, blessed Jesus, at thy holy table, among 
the number of thy redeemed people. I bless thee 
for the infinite love which thou hast displayed in my 
redemption — for the unutterable sufferings and ago- 
nizing death which were the price of my ransom 
from guilt and condemnation. Glory be to thee, O 
thou Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
world. May my grateful sense of thy infinite com- 
passion be manifested by sincere devotion to thy 
commands ; by lively and active charity to all man- 
kind, for whom thou didst shed thy blood. Thus 
confessing my sins ; steadfastly purposing to lead a 
new life ; relying supremely on thy merits and grace £ 
thankfully celebrating thy meritorious sufferings and 
death ; and cherishing the sentiments of lively and 
ardent love — -may I approach thy holy altar, and 
experience the quickening efficacy of thy body and 
blood. May they shed through my soul their con 
soling, renovating, and strengthening power, and 
nourish me to everlasting life. May these symbols 
of thy love afford my soul a rich foretaste of the ex- 
alted bliss which the fruition of thy glorious presence 
will afford. 

O most gracious God, measure thy blessings to 
me, not by my deserts, but by thy infinite mercies. 
Shed now the full power of thy Holy Spirit through 



SUNDAY MORNING. 201 

my heart, that all my affections and desires may be 
in lively exercise when I approach thy holy altar. 
There may I enjoy the manifestations of thy mercy 
— there may I experience that thou art infinitely 
gracious— that truly blessed are they who put their 
trust in thee. And oh ! may the exalted joys of 
thy love, shed through my soul at thy holy table, 
awaken my ardent desires for the glorious consum- 
mation of bliss in thy heavenly kingdom, where 
there is fulness of joy ; where there are pleasures 
for evermore. Even so, O my God, for the sake 
of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen* 



202 

THE ORDER FOR THE 

ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, 

OR 

HOLY COMMUNION. 



1T The excellent and affecting office for the Holy Communion, prescribed 
by the Church, is the best guide to his devotions at the altar that the 
communicant can possibly have, and renders almost unnecessary all 
other aid. It should be the business of the communicant seriously to 
attend to this service, and heartily and sincerely to join in it. As he goes 
up towards the chancel, let him secretly use the following ejaculations: 

In the multitude of thy mercies, O Lord, do I now 
approach thine altar. 

I will pay thee my vows now in the presence of 
all thy people. 

Thou art my God, and I will bless thee ; thou art 
my God, and I will exalt thee. 

God is the Lord, by whom we receive light ; bind 
the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. 

^[ When the minister reads the sentences of the Offertory, let the commu- 
nicant offer up after each sentence, the short ejaculation annexed. 

TI When there is a communion, the minister shall return to the Lord's ta- 
ble, and begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these sentences fol 
lowing, as he thinketh most convenient. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your Father which 
is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16. 

(O Almighty God, give me grace to honour thee 
by a life of holiness and active charity; and may 
those who are the objects of my beneficence, render 
their praises to thee, the gracious Father and Bene- 
factor of mankind.) 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 203 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, 
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves 
break through and steal : But lay up for yourselves 
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust 
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through 
nor steal. St. Matt. vi. 19, 20. 

(Free my soul, O God, from the inordinate love 
of riches ; and dispose me earnestly to seek the 
.satisfying treasures of thy heavenly kingdom.) 

Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, 
even so do to them : For this is the law and the 
prophets. St. Matt. vii. 12. 

(Give me grace, O God, ever sacredly to observe 
this rule of eternal justice.) 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, 
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he 
that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 
St. Matt. vii. 21. 

(Grant, O God, that I may never build my hope 
of salvation upon an outward profession only, with- 
out a life of holiness and virtue. — May my faith in 
thy name produce the fruit of good living.) 

Zaccheus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, 
Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the 
poor ; and if I have done any wrong to any man, I 
restore four-fold. St. Luke xix. 8. 

(If thou, O Lord, hast given me ability, give me 
a disposition also to be both just and charitable, that 
thou mayest say to me, as thou didst to this publi- 
can, Salvation is come to thy house.) 

Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own 
cost ? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of 
the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eat- 
eth not of the milk of the flock ? 1 Cor. ix. 7. 

(O God, may I cheerfully and readily give a por- 
tion of my worldly substance to the support of the 



204 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

servants of the sanctuary, who labour in spiritual 
things.) 

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a 
great matter if we shall reap your worldly things ? 
1 Cor. ix. 11. 

(May I evermore endeavour, by every mean in 
my power, to promote the temporal comfort and 
happiness of those who devote their time and their 
talents to ministering to my spiritual necessities.) 

Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy 
things, live of the sacrifice ; and they who wait at 
the altar, are partakers with the altar? Even so hath 
the Lord also ordained, that they who preach the 
Gospel, should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14. 

(Since thou, O Lord, hast thus ordained — far be 
it from me to withhold from thy ministers the main- 
tenance which is their just and inviolable due.) 

He that soweth little, shall reap little ; and he 
that soweth plenteously, shall reap plenteously. Let 
every man do according as he is disposed in his 
heart, not grudgingly or of necessity ; for God 
loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7. 

(May I ever proportion my alms to my ability, 
lest I provoke God to proportion his blessings to 
my alms.) 

Let him that is taught in the word, minister unto 
him that teacheth in all good things. Be not de- 
ceived, God is not mocked : For whatsoever a man 
soweth, that shall he reap. Gal. vi. 6, 7. 

(There is no return, O God, which we can make 
to thy ministers, equal to the blessings which they 
bestow upon us : For they minister unto us the 
means of grace and salvation.) 

While we have time, let us do good unto all men; 
and especially unto them that are of the household 
of faith. Gal. vi. 10. 

(Blessed be God, that I have yet time ! Lord, 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 205 

give me a heart to do good before the night cometh, 
when no man can work.) 

Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with 
that he hath : For we brought nothing into the world, 
neither may we carry any thing out* 1 Tim. vi. 6, 7. 

(Grant me, O God, a pious and contented mind ; 
and for the rest— thy will be done !) 

Charge them who are rich in this world, that they 
be ready to give, and glad to distribute ; laying up 
in store for themselves a good foundation against 
the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 
1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19. 

(If thou hast given me riches, O God, grant me 
grace to employ them in works of beneficence and 
mercy, that thus they may be instrumental in ad- 
vancing my eternal felicity.) 

God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your 
works, and labour that proceedeth of love ; which 
love ye have showed for his name's sake, who have 
ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister 
Heb. vi. 10. 

(O blessed Lord, how great is thy goodness ! All 
that I have is thine ; and yet thou dost condescend 
to receive every act of charity to thy saints and ser- 
vants, as if it were done unto thyself.) 

To do good and to distribute, forget not ; for with 
such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii 16. 

(May our prayers and our alms ascend unto ihee, 

God ; and do thou graciously accept them for 
Jesus Christ's sake.) 

Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his 
brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion 
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him t 

1 John iii. 17. 

(O my God and Saviour ! may I ever manifest 
my love and gratitude to thee, by acts of beneficence 
and kindness to my fellow men.) 

18 



206 THE ADMINISTRATION OP 

Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face 
from any poor man ; and then the face of the Lord 
shall not be turned away from thee. Tob. iv. 7. 

(Grant me, O Lord, a lively compassion for the 
miseries of others, that thou mayest finally have 
compassion on me.) 

Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, 
give plenteously. If thou hast little, do thy dili- 
gence gladly to give of that little : for so gatherest 
thou thyself a good reward, in the day of necessity. 
Tob. iv. 8, 9. 

(I thank thee, O God, that thou dost not judge 
or reward according to the greatness of the gift, but 
according to the disposition and ability of the giver. 
And after all, thy rewards infinitely exceed the 
merits of our most exalted acts of virtue.) 

He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth to the 
Lord : and look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid 
him again. Prov. xix. 17. 

(Blessed be thy name, O God, that thou dost 
vouchsafe to regard my beneficence to the poor as 
a favour rendered unto thyself; and dost graciously 
promise to repay me from the exhaustless treasure 
of thine infinite mercies.) 

Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick 
and needy : the Lord shall deliver him in the time 
of trouble. Psalm xli. I. 

(O Lord, may I carefully avoid all idle and vain 
expenses, that I may thus be always able to admin- 
ister to the consolation and support of the sick and 
needy. May a principle of divine charity and love 
evermore animate and inspire me, that thus, in 
time of trouble, in the hour of death, and in the day 
of judgment, I may with confidence flee to thee as 
my refuge and my portion. 

1[ Ejaculation to be used at offering our alms. 

O Lord, from the bounties of thy Providence 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 207 

with which thou hast crowned my lot, I cheerfully 
and humbly devote a portion to the service of thy 
altar — to the relief and comfort of the distressed 
members of Christ's mystical body. To thee 
be all the glory and all the praise, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen.) 

IT Whilst these sentences are in reading, the deacons, church-wardens, or 
other fit persons appointed for that purpose, shall receive the alms for 
the poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin, to be 
provided by the parish for that purpose ; and reverently bring it to the 
priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the holy table. 

(IF Before the prayer for Christ's church militant, if an opportunity offer, 
use the following prayer : 

Saviour of the world ! I come to thy altar to 
commemorate thy dying love ; to plead the merits 
of thy cross and passion ; to testify my unshaken 
faith in thee ; my communion with thy holy church, 
my charity with all mankind. Blessed Jesus ! w r ho 
hast called me to the participation of the sacred 
mysteries of thy altar, guide and aid me in my de- 
votions ; quicken my repentance ; animate my faith 
and gratitude ; fix my contemplations on the eternal 
glories of thy mercy and grace. Nourished and 
strengthened by the sacred symbols of thy body and 
blood, may both my soul and body be prepared for 
that everlasting life which thou hast purchased by 
thy merits ; and which thou dost bestow on all those 
who believe in thy saving name, and rely alone 
on thy mercy and power. Even so, blessed Jesus. 
Amen.) 

U And the priest shall then place upon the table so much bread and wine 
as he shall think sufficient. After which done, he shall say, 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's church 
militant. 

Almighty and everliving God, who, by thy holy 
apostle, hast taught us to make prayers and suppli- 
cations, and to give thanks for all men ; we humbly 



208 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

beseech thee most mercifully [*to accept our alms 
and oblations, and] to receive these our prayers, 
which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty ; beseech- 
ing thee to inspire continually the universal church 
with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord ; and 
grant that all those who do confess thy holy name, 
may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in 
unity and godly love. We beseech thee also, so to 
direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian rulers, 
that they may truly and impartially administer jus- 
tice to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and 
to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. 
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and 
other ministers, that they may, both by their life 
and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, 
and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments* 
And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace ; and 
especially to this congregation here present ; that 
with meek heart, and due reverence, they may hear 
and receive thy holy word ; truly serving thee in 
holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. 
And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, 
O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in 
this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, 
sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless 
thy holy name, for all thy servants departed this life 
in thy faith and fear ; beseeching thee to give us 
grace so to follow their good examples, that with 
them we may be partakers of thy heavenly king- 
dom : Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's 
sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 

% At the time of the celebration of the communion, the priest shall say 

this exhortation. 

[% During this exhortation, the communicants should stand. Afterwards, 

at the confession, they are required to kneel.] 

Dearly Beloved in the Lord, ye who mind to 
come to the holy communion of the body and blood 

If there be no alms or oblations, then shall the words 'to accept our 
r/ms and- oblations, and) be left unsaid. 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 209 

of our Saviour Christ, must consider how St. Paul 
exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine 
themselves, before they presume to eat of that 
bread, and drink of that cup. For as the benefit 
is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively 
faith, we receive that holy sacrament ; so is the 
clanger great, if we receive the same unworthily. 
Judge, therefore, yourselves, brethren, that ye be 
not judged of the Lord ; repent ye truly for your 
sins past ; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ 
our Saviour ; amend your lives, and be in perfect 
charity with all men : so shall ye be meet partakers 
of those holy mysteries. And above all things, ye 
must give most humble and hearty thanks to God 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the re- 
demption of the world by the death and passion of 
our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did 
humble himself even to the death upon the cross, 
for us miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and 
the shadow of death ; that he might make us the 
children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. 
And to the end that we should always remember 
the exceeding great love of our Master and only 
Saviour Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the in- 
numerable benefits which by his precious blood- 
shedding he hath obtained for us, he hath instituted 
and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, 
and for a continual remembrance of his death, to 
our great and endless comfort. To him, therefore, 
with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, let us give 
(as we are most bounden) continual thanks ; sub- 
mitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and plea- 
sure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and 
righteousness, all the days of our life. Amen. 

IT Then shall the priest say to those who. come to receive the holy 
communion, 

Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of 
18* 



210 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

your sins, and are in love and charity with yoti 
neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following 
the commandments of God, and walking from 
henceforth in his holy ways ; draw near with faith, 
and take this holy sacrament to your comfort ; and 
make your humble confession to Almighty God, de- 
voutly kneeling. 

Tf Then shall this general confession be made by the priest and all those 
who are minded to receive the holy communion, humbly kneeling: 

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
Maker of all things, Judge of all men ; we acknow- 
ledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, 
which we from time to time most grievously have 
committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy 
divine Majesty ; provoking most justly thy wrath 
and indignation against us. We do earnestly re- 
pent, and are heartily sorry for these our mis- 
doings ; the remembrance of them is grievous unto 
us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mer- 
cy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful 
Father ; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, 
forgive us all that is past; and grant, that we may 
ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of 
life, to the honour and glory of thy name, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen* 

TT Then shall the priest (the bishop, if he be present,) stand up, and 
turning to the people, say, 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his 
great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all 
those who with hearty repentance and true faith 
turn unto him, have mercy upon you; pardon and de- 
liver you from all your sins ; confirm and strengthen 
you in all goodness ; and bring you to everlasting 
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

(H* After the absolution is pronounced, to which you should attentively and 
devoutly listen, as the declaration of God through his authorized servant, 
use the following short ejaculation : 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 211 

May this absolution, O God, seal to my soul the 
forgiveness of my sins.) 

1[ Then shall the priest say, 

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ 
saith unto all who truly turn to him. 

[IT After each of the following sentences use the short ejaculations 
annexed.] 

Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy 
laden, and I will refresh you, St. Malt. xi. 28. 

(Make me, O Jesus, truly sensible of my guilt 
and unworthiness ; that oppressed with the bur- 
den of my sins, I may go to thee for rest and de- 
liverance.) 

So God loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
St. John iii. 16. 

(O Lord, I believe — increase and establish my 
faith ; that, ever loving and serving thee, I may 
finally, through thy mercy, be made partaker of 
everlasting glory.) 

Hear also what St. Paid saith. 

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to 
be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15. 

(I bless thee, O Jesus, who, moved by infinite 
compassion, didst come into the world to save 
sinners.) 

Hear also what St. John saith. 

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the 
propitiation for our sins. 1 John ii. 1, 2. 

(O blessed Jesus, by thy blood and merits, by thy 
powerful intercession, procure my pardon and de- 
liverance from the guilt and condemnation of sin.) 

% After which the priest shall proceed, saying, 



212 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

Lift up your hearts. 

Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord. 
Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. 
Answer. It is meet and right so to do. 

If Then shall the priest turn to the Lord's table, and say, 

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that 
we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks 
unto thee, O Lord, ( # Holy Father,) almighty, ever- 
lasting God. 

% Here shall follow the proper preface, according to the time, if there be 
any specially appointed ; or else immediately shall be said or sung by the 
priest and people : 

[IT Here the communicants should rise from their knees, and stand. Stand- 
ing is the proper posture for the ascription of praise.] 

Therefore with angels and archangels, and 
with all the company of heaven, we laud and mag- 
nify thy glorious name ; evermore praising thee, 
and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, 
heaven and earth are full of thy glory : Glory be to 
thee, O Lord Most High. Amen. 

IF PROPER PREFACES. 

% Upon Christmas-day, and seven days after. 

Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only 
Son, to be born as at this time for us ; who, by the 
operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man, 
of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother ; 
and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from 
all sin : Therefore with angels, &e. 

If Upon Easter-day, and seven days after. 

But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the 
glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our 
Lord : For he is the very Paschal Lamb, which 
was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin 

* These words [Hoi?/ Father] must be omitted on Trinity Sunday. 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 213 

of the world ; who by his death hath destroyed 
death, and, by his rising to life again, hath restored 
to us everlasting life : Therefore with angels, &e. 

Tf Upon Ascension-day, and seven days after. 

Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord ; who, after his most glorious re- 
surrection, manifestly appeared to all his apostles, 
and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to pre- 
pare a place for us ; that where he is, thither we 
might also ascend, and reign with him in glory • 
Therefore w r ith angels, &c. 

^f Upon Whit-Sunday, and six days after. 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to 
whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came 
down as at this time from heaven, with a sudden 
great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the 
likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the apostles, 
to teach them, and to lead them to all truth ; giving 
them both the gift of divers languages, and also 
boldness with fervent zeal, constantly to preach the 
Gospel unto all nations ; whereby we have been 
brought out of darkness and error, into the clear 
light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son 
Jesus Christ : Therefore with angels, &c. 

TT Upon the Feast of Trinity only, may be said, 

Who art one God, one Lord ; not only one per- 
son, but three persons in one substance : For that 
which we believe of the glory of the Father, the 
same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, 
without any difference or inequality : Therefore 
with angels, &c. 

fl ©r else this may be said, the words [Holy Father] being retained in the 
introductory address. 

For the precious death and merits of thy Sou 
Jesus Christ our Lord, and for the sending to us 



214 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

of the Holy Ghost the Comforter ; who are one 
with thee in thy eternal Godhead : Therefore with 
angels, <fcc. 

*[ Then shall the priest, kneeling down at the Lord's table, say, in tne 
name of all those who shall receive the communion, this prayer fol- 
lowing: 

[1[ In this most affecting and solemn form of humiliation, the communi- 
cants acknowledge, through the minister, their great unworthiness, and 
the unmerited mercy of God, in admitting them to his holy table. In this 
act of humiliation, every communicant should secretly join with lively 
fervour and devotion, kneeling.] 

We do not presume to come to this thy table, O 
merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, 
but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are 
not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs 
under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, 
whose property is always to have mercy : Grant us 
therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy 
dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that 
our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, 
and our souls washed through his most precious 
blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and 
he in us. Amen. 

[5F The prayer of consecration now follows; and while the priest is enga 
gedin the solemn act of consecrating the bread and wine, the communi- 
cant should fix his devout affections on his Saviour, whose blood is an 
all-sufficient propitiation for the sins of the world. When the bread is 
broken, call to mind the grief and agony of him who was wounded for our 
transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. When the cnp of wine 
is blessed, think of him who, under the weight of our sins, sweat great 
drops of blood, and on the cross made his soul an offering for sin. 
When the consecrated bread and wine are offered to God as a memo- 
rial of the one great sacrifice of Christ, bless the Almighty Father who 
gave his Son for the sins of offending man, and who, through Christ, is 
reconciling the world unto himself. When the power of Divine Grace 
is invoked on the holy elements, devoutly adore and bless the Holy Ghost 
the Lord and Giver of Life, who applies to the soul the mercies of re- 
demption. And let the surrender which you make of yourself to the 
service of God, your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, be sincere, ar- 
dent, and universal.] 

*§ When the priest, standing before the table, hath so ordered the bread 
and wine, that he may with the more readiness and decency break the 
bread before the people, and take the cup into his hand; he shall say the 
prayer of consecration, as followeth: 

All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 215 

Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst 
give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death 
upon the cross for our redemption ; who made there 
(by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, 
perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satis- 
faction, for the sins of the whole world ; and did in 
stitute, and in his holy Gospel command us to con* 
tinue a perpetual memory of that his precious death 
and sacrifice until his coming again . 

(a) Here the Priest For in the night in which he was 
is to take the Paten betrayed / \ he took bread; and 

into his hands. J \ J . / 

(b) And here to when he had given thanks, (b) he 

break the bread. bmke ^ an( j gayQ j t tQ h j g disci- 

(c) And here to lay pies, saying, Take, eat, (c) this is 

his hands upon ail the my j^ which j g g j yen for yQU . 

Do this in remembrance of me. 

(d) Here he is to Likewise, after supper (d) he took 

take the cup into his » -, 1 1 1 i • 

i mn d. the cup; and when he had given 

thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 

(e) And here he is D r i n k ye all of this, for (e) this is 

to lay his hand upon t&i 1 t* i tvt m 

every vessel in which my Blood, oi the INew 1 estament, 

brconL a raU ine * which is shed f()r J "' and for 

many, for the remission of sins ; 

Do this as oft as ye shall drink it, 

in remembrance of me. 

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly 

Father, according to the institution 
of thy dearly beloved Son, our Saviour Jesus 
Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and 
make here before thy divine Majesty, with these 
thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the 
memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make ; 
having in remembrance his blessed passion and 
precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious 
ascension ; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks, 
for the innnumerable benefits procured unto us by 



216 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

the same. And we most humbly be- 
seech thee, O merciful Father, to hear 
us ; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to 
bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, 
these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; 
that we, receiving them according to thy Son our 
Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remem* 
brance of his death and passion, may be partakers 
of his most blessed body and blood. And we earn- 
estly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to ac- 
cept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving ; 
most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the 
merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and 
through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole 
church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all 
other benefits of his passion. And here we offer 
and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls, 
and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living 
sacrifice unto thee ; humbly beseeching thee, that 
we, and all others who shall be partakers of this 
holy communion, may worthily receive the most 
precious body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, 
be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, 
and made one body with him, that he may dwell in 
them, and they in him. And although we are un- 
worthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto 
thee any sacrifice ; yet we beseech thee to accept 
this our bounden duty and service, not weighing 
our merits, but pardoning our offences ; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord ; by whom, and with whom, 
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory 
be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without 
end. Amen. 

H Here shall be sung a hymn, or a part of a hymn, from the selection for 

the Feasts and Fasts, &c. 
[^[ While the pnesfe the clergy, and others, ars receiving the consecrated 

elements, the communicant should be engaged in devoutly reading th« 

following meditation s.J 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 217 

St. Luke xv. 2. — The Pharisees murmured, say- 
ing. This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. 

I bless thee, O my Saviour, that thou didst not 
proudly contemn the company of sinners. I con- 
fess that I am indeed an unworthy sinner. O re- 
ceive me, as a guest at thy table, and make me 
partaker of the blessings of thy love. 

St. John. vi. 58. — He that eateth of this bread 
shall live for ever. 

O Jesus, who hast made the life of our souls to 
depend on the consecrated bread, the symbol of thy 
life-giving body, may I never render myself unwor- 
thy of so great a blessing, or deprive myself of it 
through my own wilful negligence. May this sacred 
bread be a principle of immortal life to me, uniting 
me to thee for ever, my Saviour and my Lord. 

Exodus xii. 23. — When he seeth the Mood of the 
Paschal Lamb on the door, he will not suffer the de- 
stroyer to come in to smite you. 

O Jesus, the true Paschal Lamb, who by thy 
precious blood hast paid the debt due to divine jus- 
tice, and hast delivered us from the power of the 
destroyer, sprinkle me with thy precious blood, that 
I may be rescued from the condemning sentence of 
thy justice. 

Galatians iii. 13. — Christ hath redeemed us from 
the curse of the law, being made a curse for us ; that 
is — he was treated as one under the curse of the 
law. Deut. xxi. 23. 

Blessed God ! how great was our misery! How 
great was thy mercy ! The death of thy Son only 
could save us from ruin, and him thou didst wil- 
lingly give. May I never deceive myself with the 
vain hope, that, while I continue in sin, thy mercy 
will spare me ; when thou didst not spare thine own 
Son, who put himself in the place of sinners ! May 
I never provoke, by transgression, thy justice ! May 



218 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

I never forget thy mercies, and the infinite conde 
scension of thy blessed Son, who, for my redemption, 
humbled himself even to the death upon the cross. 

1 John ii. 25. — This is the promise that he hath 
promised us, even eternal life. 

How infinitely gracious is our God, to excite and 
encourage us in his service by the promise of im- 
mortal glory and bliss ! Give me a firm faith in thy 
gracious promises, that no pleasures may corrupt my 
heart, no difficulties discourage me from serving thee. 

1 Cor. xi. 28. — Let a man examine himself, and so 
let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 

That I am invited to thy holy table, is not be- 
cause I am worthy, but because thou, O God, art 
infinitely gracious and merciful. — Have compassion 
on my infirmities ; accept of my sincere but im- 
perfect resolutions. I acknowledge my unworthi- 
ness — I place all my hopes of acceptance in thy 
mercy and love, through Jesus my Redeemer — 
sincerely do I resolve to lead a new life — to use all 
diligence to secure the glorious privileges of my 
Christian vocation. With these sacred purposes, 
I presume to advance, O Lord, to thy altar : trust- 
ing to thy mercy for the pardon of all my defects, 
and to thy powerful grace to quicken in rne those 
holy dispositions which will make me an acceptable 
guest at thy holy table. 

% Immediately before going up to the altar, use the following prayer: 

O gracious and merciful God ! Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost ! look down from heaven, the throne 
of thy eternal glory, upon me thy unworthy ser- 
vant, with the eyes of mercy and compassion. O 
Lord my God, I disclaim all merit ; I renounce all 
righteousness of my own ; and I fly for refuge, for 
pardon, and sanctification, to the righteousness of 
Jesus, thy anointed. For thy tender mercies' sake, 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 219 

for the sake of the blessed Jesus, the Son of thy 
fove, in whom thou art ever well pleased, have 
mercy upon me ; receive my prayers ; pardon my 
infirmities ; strengthen my weak resolutions ; guide 
my steps to thy holy altar, and there feed me with 
the meat that perisheth not, but endureth to ever- 
lasting life. Amen. 

IT Then advancing 1 to the altar, and humbly kneeling down, use the fol- 
lowing ejaculatory prayer before receiving the consecrated bread. 

O my Lord and my God ! may I receive this sa- 
cred symbol of thy crucified body in remembrance 
of the sacrifice of thy cross, trusting alone in thy 
infinite merits. By the power of thy grace may I 
be delivered from condemnation and death. 

If When the minister repeats the words, The body of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto ever- 
lasting life — seal this affecting petition by saying, secretly and fervently, 
Amen; and then reverently receive the consecrated bread with the right 
hand.J* 

*fi Then shall the priest first receive the communion in both kinds himself, 
and proceed to deliver the same to the bishops, priests, and deacons, in 
like manner, (if any be present) and, after that, to the people also in or- 
der into their hands, all devoutly kneeling; And when he delivereth the 
bread, he shall say, 

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was 
given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto 
everlasting life : Take and eat this in remembrance 
that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy 
heart by faith, with thanksgiving. 

{^[Use the following ejaculation after receiving the consecrated bread: 

Almighty is thy power ; infinite thy mercy, bless- 
ed Jesus. Be it unto thy servant according unto 
thy word. O let thy body nourish and strengthen 
me unto everlasting life. Glory evermore be unto 



* The receiving of the consecrated bread with the glove on the hand 
should be avoided as familiar and irreverent. Perhaps the most decent 
and proper manner of receiving the consecrated bread, is in the palm of 
the right hard, crossed over the left, and then lifted to the mouth 



220 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

thee, Holy Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my 
salvation. 

1[ Use the following ejaculation before receiving the consecrated cup. 

I will receive the cup of salvation, and call upon 
the name of the Lord. I will ratify my vows with 
this blood of the everlasting covenant; and devote 
myself for ever to thy service, O my God. Sa- 
viour of the world, evermore help and deliver me. 

T[ When the minister repeats the words, The blood of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto ever- 
lasting life — seal this affecting petition by saying, secretly and fervently, 
Amen.] 

% And the minister who delivcreth the cup shall say, 

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was 
shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto 
everlasting life : Drink this in remembrance that 
Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. 

ftT Use the following ejaculation after receiving the cup: 

All-powerful is the efficacy of thy precious blood, 
O my Saviour. May it purify my soul from sin, 
and be a fountain of pardon, peace, life eternal. 
Glory be unto thee, O Lamb of God, that takest 
away the sins of the world. Blessed is he who re- 
ceiveth by faith the symbols of thy love in thy 
church on earth. He shall celebrate the everlast- 
ing festival of love in thy heavenly kingdom. Amen 
and Amen. 

^ Then returning to your seat, use the following prayer: 

Blessed Jesus ! relying on thy mercy, I have 
bowed myself at thy table, to receive the precious 
pledges of thy dying love. O may thy presence 
go with me from thy holy altar, that when I return 
to the necessary labours and duties of the world, I 
may be enabled, by thy grace, to obey thy com- 
mandments, and to rejoice in the smiles of thy love. 
Guided by thy jnercy through all the dangers and 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 221 

trials of my pilgrimage, may I at length depart out 
of this world in peace, in a steadfast reliance on thy 
merits, in the joyful hope of the fruition of the glo- 
ries of thy kingdom, O blessed Jesus ; to whom, 
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, I render all 
the praise of my redemption* Amen. 



TT On Christmas-day, Easter-day, &c. add to your other devotions at the 

communion, the following. 

TT Upon Christmas-day, and seven days after. 

1 desire, O God, evermore to bless and praise 
thee for thy infinite love. For thou didst take 
compassion on mankind in his state of condemna- 
tion and misery, and didst send thy only Son into 
the world to instruct and guide us by his holy doc- 
trine and example ; to redeem us from sin, and 
to purchase for us everlasting happiness, by the 
sacrifice of his death. Grant, O Lord, that through 
the power of thy grace and heavenly benediction, 
I may fulfil the design of my Saviour's coming. 
" Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, may I 
live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present 
world," and thus be prepared to dwell for ever with 
thee, O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 
in those mansions of bliss and glory which thou 
hast prepared for them that love thee. Amen. 

% Upon Easter-day, and seven days after. 

Blessed Jesus ! who, by thy glorious resurrection 
from the dead, hast proved thyself to be the Son 
of God, hast triumphed over the power of darkness, 
and conquered death and the grave ; keep me stead- 
fast in the faith of thy holy name. Grant, O Lord, 
that, by the power of thy grace, I may rise from 
the death of sin unto the life of righteousness ; may 
tally proceed in all virtue and godliness of living; 

19* 



222 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

and departing this life in thy faith and fear, maj 
finally have my perfect consummation and bliss* 
both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting 
kingdom. Amen. 

IT Upon Ascension-day, and seven days after. 

O blessed Jesus ! who, after thy conquest over 
death and hell, didst ascend in triumph to heaven, 
that thou mightest prepare for us mansions of eter- 
nal glory; grant that the desires and affections of 
my soul may ascend after thee, and be supremely 
engaged with the contemplation of the glories of 
thy power and love. For " whom have I in heaven 
but thee, and there is none on earth that I desire 
beside thee." Amen. 

% Upon Whit-sunday, and six days after. 

O blessed Jesus ! who hast sent thy Holy Ghos* 
to sanctify and comfort us. May my thoughts and 
desires, my ways and actions, evermore be directed 
by his divine guidance. Let him be unto me a 
spirit of sanctijication, to purify my corrupt nature; 
a spirit of counsel in all my difficulties ; of direction 
in all my doubts, fears, and scruples; of courage m 
all my dangers ; of constancy and consolation to me 
under all my persecutions and sufferings, especially 
in time of sickness, and at the hour of death ; that,, 
being governed and guided by his divine influence 
and direction, I may pass through all the changes 
and chances of this mortal life, and finally attain 
thy heavenly kingdom, there to reign with thee* 
blessed Jesus, world without end. Amen. 

TI Upon Trinity Sunday* 

Glory be to thee, O God the Father, for creating 
me after thine own image, and for recovering me 
from a state of guilt and misery- Glory be to thee* 
O God the Son> for undertaking the wonderful work 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 223 

of man's redemption, by assuming our miserable 
nature ; for the merits of thy suffering life , and for 
the redeeming efficacy of thy death. Glory be to 
thee, O God the Holy Ghost, for thy miraculous 
gifts bestowed upon the apostles ; and for thy pre- 
venting, restraining, enlightening, consoling, and 
sanctifying grace. Blessing and honour, thanks- 
giving and praise, be unto thee, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. 



1f At this most solemn and affecting ordinance, the communicant should 
be constantly engaged in acts of devotion. After he has received the 
elements, let him read the following meditations until the minister is 
ready to go on with the concluding portion of the service. 

Rom. viii. 32. — He that spared not his own Son, 
but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not 
with him also freely give us all things ? 

O God ! the gift of thy only-begotten and be- 
loved Son for the sins of a guilty world, is a sure 
pledge of thy infinite love. Thy mercy in Christ 
Jesus is my only solace when my heart is in heaviness. 
This is my only refuge, when dismayed by the view 
of my guilt, and the terrors of thy justice. Grant 
me, O Lord, all those graces and virtues which will 
qualify me for knowing and enjoying thee for ever, 
for Jesus Christ's sake, the Son of thy love. 

2 Cor. v. 15. — Christ died for all, that they which 
live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto 
him which died for them. 

To thee, O my Saviour, I consecrate that life 
which thou hast redeemed by thy precious blood, 
from the slavery of sin and Satan. Fortify my soul, 
I beseech thee, against all the temptations of the 
world, the flesh, and the devil, that with sincerity 
and devotion of heart, I may evermore serve thee. 

Matt. xvi. 24. — If any man will come after me, let 
him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. 



224 THE ADMINISTRATION OP 

O my Saviour ! who didst take upon thee the 
form of a servant, and, to redeem sinful man, didst 
bear his grief and carry his sorrows ; let me not pro- 
fess to follow thee, without endeavouring to follow 
the blessed steps of thy most holy life; to imitate 
thy patience, meekness, and humility; thy great 
disregard for the world, its pleasures, emoluments, 
and honours ; thy lively compassion for the miseries 
of men ; thy unwearied perseverance in doing good ; 
thy constancy and fervour in prayer ; thy supreme 
resignation to the will of thy Father. Being thus 
conformed in all things to thee, my Redeemer and 
Head, may I finally participate of the everlasting 
glories on which thou hast entered. 

Matt. vi. 24. — No man can serve two masters — ye 
cannot serve God and mammon. 

May I never set up any rival to thee, O God, in 
the possession of my heart. May I never attempt 
to reconcile thy service with the service of the world, 
which is enmity icith thee. May I use it so as not to 
abuse it. May I ever make all its concerns subor- 
dinate to the concerns of my salvation. And con- 
vinced of the unsatisfying nature of its best enjoy- 
ments, may I ardently and supremely seek the en- 
during and satisfying joys of thy glorious presence. 

2 Cor. vi. 16. — Ye are the temple of the living God. 

Make me, O God, truly sensible of the great 
honour and blessing of being the habitation of thy 
good Spirit — of the great danger of profaning, by 
unholy passions, a temple consecrated to thee. 
Make me worthy of thy continual abode and pre- 
sence. Take possession of my soul — bring all its 
powers into obedience to thy laws ; and enable me 
to abound in all the fruits of the Spirit, that I may 
enjoy the exalted assurance that thou indeed dwel- 
lest in me. 

Luke xv. 6. — I have found my sheep which was lost. 



THE HOLY COMMUNION, 225 

O thou good Shepherd ! I bless thee for thy ten- 
der care and compassion of thy lost sheep. I had 
indeed been for ever lost, had not thy love sought 
and found me when I was astray. For thy good- 
ness sake, keep me from wandering from thy fold ; 
and exalt me in thy good time to that celestial fold, 
into which sin and sorrow never enter.] 

% If the consecrated bread and wine be spent before all have communica- 
ted, the priest is to consecrate more, according to the form before pre- 
cribed; beginning at— All glory be to thee, Almighty God — and ending 
with these words — partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood, 

Tf When all have communicated, the minister shall return to the Lord's 
table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated 
elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. 

% Then shall the minister say the Lord's Prayer, the people repeating after 
him every petition. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy 
Name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this day our daily 
bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those who trespass against us ; And lead us not into 
temptation ; But deliver us from evil : For thine is 
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever 
and ever. Amen. 

If After shall be said as followeth : 

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily 
thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, 
who have duly received these holy mysteries, with 
the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood 
of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ ; and dost assure 
us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us ; 
and that we are very members incorporate in the 
mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed 
company of all faithful people; and are also heirs 
through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the 
merits of the most precious death and passion of 
thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, 
O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, 
that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and 



226 THE ADMINISTFiATION OF 

do all such good works as thou hast prepared for 
us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord ; to* 
whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour 
and glory, world without end. Amen. 

% Then shall be said or sung, all standing, Gloria in Excelsis, or some 
proper hymn from the Selection. 

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace,, 
good-will towards men. We praise thee, we bless 
thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give 
thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, 
heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 

Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ ; O 
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that 
takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon 
us : Thou that takest away the sins of the world, 
have mercy upon us : Thou that takest away the 
sins of the world, receive our prayer : Thou that 
sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have 
mercy upon us. 

For thou only art holy ; thou only art the Lord ; 
thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most 
high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

If Then the priest (the bishop, if he be present) shall let thera depart with 
this blessing : 

The peace of God, which passeth all understand- 
ing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge 
and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our 
Lord: And the blessing of God Almighty, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst 
you, and remain with you always. Amen. 

[*[[ After the blessing use the following prayer: 

1 bless thee, O God, for the spiritual nourishment 
with which thou hast strengthened and refreshed my 
soul. I bless thee, that through the crucified body 
and blood of thy Son, I am restored 'o thy favour. 
Pardon the many imperfections of my services ; and 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 227 

grant me grace to fulfil the sacred vows of love and 
obedience which I have made to thee, my God and 
Father, through Jesus Christ my Redeemer* Amen.'] 

IT Collects that may be said after the collects of morning or evening prayer, 
or communion, at the discretion of the minister. 

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our suppli- 
cations and prayers ; and dispose the way of thy 
servants towards the attainment of everlasting sal- 
vation ; that among all the changes and chances of 
this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy 
most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the 
words which we have heard this day with our out- 
ward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted 
inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in 
us the fruit of good living ; to the honour and praise 
of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy 
most gracious favour, and further us with thy con 
tinual help ; that in all our works begun, continued, 
and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name ; 
and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who 
knowest our necessities before we ask, and our igno- 
rance in asking ; we beseech thee to have compas- 
sion upon our infirmities ; and those things which for 
our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness 
we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthi- 
ness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the 
petitions of those who ask in thy Son's name ; we 
beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us 
who have now made our prayers and supplications 
unto thee ; and grant, that those things which we 



228 THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

have faithfully asked according to thy will, may 
effectually be obtained ; to the relief of our neces- 
sity, and to the setting forth of thy glory, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Tf Upon Sundays and other holy days (if there be no sermon or commu- 
nion) shall be said all that is appointed at the communion, unto the end 
of the Gospel, concluding with the blessing. And if any of the conse- 
crated bread and wine remain after the communion, it shall not be car- 
ried out of the church ; but the minister and other communicants shall, 
immediately after the blessing, reverently eat and drink the same. 

[TT Upon your return home, retire to your closet to praise God for his mer- 
cies, and to supplicate his blessing in the following prayer: 

I adore and praise thee, O God, for the rich 
blessings of thy covenant of mercy, through Jesus 
Christ, which thou hast sealed to my soul in that 
hallowed ordinance of which I have participated. 
I bless thee, O Lord, that having humbly and sin- 
cerely devoted myself to thee, and sealed my vows 
over the sacred symbols of the body and blood of 
thy Son, I can enjoy the exalted hope that thy mer- 
cy will be my constant solace ; thy grace my sure 
protection and reward. O how great is thy love, 
in thus providing for my perishing soul divine suc- 
cours and consolations ! May the obligations of my 
holy vows, the sacred claims of thy love, be ever 
present to my remembrance, and excite me dili- 
gently and earnestly to aim at serving and obeying 
thee. O may I not, by transgression, crucify afresh 
that Saviour whose sufferings I have commemora- 
ted, whose mercy I have experienced. Almighty 
God ! thou knowest the weakness of my nature, 
and the numberless temptations that encompass 
me ; evermore strengthen me by thy grace. With- 
out thee I shall not be able to stand — O lead me by 
thy almighty arm — refresh my soul with the conso- 
lations of thy love — guide me to tbe end, in thy ser 
vice ; and when my strength and my heart faileth, 
when my soul is sinking in the shades of death, be 



THE HOLY COMMUNION. 229 

thou, O Lord, the strength of my heart, and my 
portion for ever. O my Saviour, visit me with thy 
salvation ; let me see the felicity of thy chosen, and 
rejoice evermore in the gladness of thy people. 
Amen. 

H Let the communicant devote all the :est of the day which is not occu 
pied with the public service of the church, to private acts of devotion ; to 
meditating on the infinite mercy and love of his God and Saviour; to 
recalling to mind the sacred obligations to grateful and holy obedience 
which this hallowed ordinance has imposed upon him; and to earnestly 
and humbly imploring the succours of divine grace, that he may be sanc- 
tified both in soul and body, and may be so conducted "through thing* 
temporal, that he finally lose not the things that are eternal."] 



230 
FORMS 

OF 

DAIL.Y DEVOTION. 

(From Bishop Taylor,) 



A FORM OF PRAYER FOR THE MORNING 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost — Our Father, &c. 

I. 

Most glorious and eternal God, Father of mercy 
and God of all comfort, I worship and adore thee 
with the lowest humility of my soul and body, and 
give thee all thanks and praise for thy infinite and 
eternal glories and perfections ; and for the con- 
tinual demonstration of thy mercies upon me, upon 
all mine, and upon thy holv Catholic Church. 

II. 

I acknowledge, O God, that I have deserved thy 
wrath and indignation. But thy mercy triumphing 
over thy justice and my sins, thou hast still con- 
tinued to me life and time of repentance ; thou hast 
opened to me the gates of grace and mercy ; and 
perpetually called upon me to enter in, and to walk 
in the paths of a holy life, that I might glorify thee, 
and be glorified by thee eternally. 

111. 

Behold, O God, for this thy great and unspeaka- 
ble goodness, for the preservation of me this night, 
and for all thy graces and blessings, I offer up my 



FOUMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 231 

soul and body, all that I am, and all that I have, as 
a sacrifice to thee and thy service ; humbly begging 
of thee to pardon all my sins, to defend me from all 
evil, to lead me into all good ; and let my portion 
be amongst thy redeemed ones, in the gathering 
together of the saints* in the kingdom of grace and 
glory. 

IV. 

Guide me, O Lord, in all the changes and varie- 
ties of the world ; that in all things that shall hap- 
pen, I may have an evenness and tranquillity of 
spirit ; that my soul may be wholly resigned to thy 
divine will and pleasure ; never murmuring at thy 
gentle chastisements and fatherly correction, never 
waxing proud and insolent, though I feel a torrent 
of comforts and prosperous successes. 



Fix my thoughts, my hopes, and my desires upon 
heaven and heavenly things ; teach me to despise 
the world, to repent me deeply for my sins ; give me 
holy purposes of amendment, and divine strength 
and assistance to perform faithfully whatsoever I 
shall intend piously. Enrich my understanding 
with an internal treasure of divine truths, that I 
may know thy will ; and thou, who workest in us to 
will and to do of thy good pleasure, teach me to 
obey all thy commandments, to believe all thy re- 
velations, and make me partaker of thy gracious 
promises. 

VI. 

Teach me to watch over all my ways, that I may 
never be surprised by sudden temptations, or a 
careless spirit, nor ever return to folly and vanity. 
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep 
the door of my lips, that I offend not in my tongue 



232 FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 

neither against piety nor charity. Teach me to 
think of nothing but thee, and what is in order to 
thy glory and service ; to speak of nothing but thee 
and thy glories ; and to do nothing but what be- 
comes thy servant, whom thy infinite mercy, by the 
graces of thy Holy Spirit, hath sealed up to the day 
of redemption. 

VII. 

Let all my passions and affections be so mortified 
and brought under the dominion of grace, that I 
may never by deliberation and purpose, nor yet by 
levity, rashness, or inconsideration, offend thy Di- 
vine Majesty. Make me such as thou wouldst have 
me to be ; strengthen my faith, confirm my hope, 
and give me a daily increase of charity ; that this 
day and ever I may serve thee according to all my 
opportunities and capacities, growing from grace to 
grace, till at last, by thy mercies, I shall receive the 
consummation and perfection of grace, even the 
glories of thy kingdom, in the full fruition of the 
face and excellencies of God the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost ; to whom be glory and praise, 
honour and adoration given by all angels, and all 
men, and all creatures, now and to all eternity. 
Amen. 

% After which conclude with this ejaculation l 

Now in all tribulation and anguish of spirit, in all 
dangers of soul and body, in prosperity and adver- 
sity, in the hour of death, and in the day of judg- 
ment, holy and most blessed Saviour, Jesus, have 
mercy upon me, save me and deliver me. Amen. 



FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 233 

A FORM OF PRAYER FOR NOON 

I. 

O eternal God, merciful and gracious, vouch- 
safe thy favour and thy blessing to thy servant : let 
the love of thy mercies, and the dread and fear of 
thy majesty, make me careful and inquisitive to 
search thy will, and diligently to perform it, and to 
persevere in the practices of a holy life, even till 
the last of my days. 

II. 

Keep me, O Lord, for I am thine by creation ; 
guide me, for I am thine by purchase ; thou hast 
redeemed me by the blood of thy Son, and loved me 
with the love of a Father ; for I am thy child by 
adoption and grace. Let thy mercy pardon my 
sins, thy providence secure me from the punish- 
ments and evils I have deserved, and thy care watch 
over me, that I may never any more offend thee. 
Make me in malice to be a child ; but in under- 
standing, piety, and the fear of God, let me be a 
perfect man in Christ, innocent and prudent, readily 
furnished and instructed to every good work. 

III. 

Keep me, O Lord, from the destroying angel, 
and from the w r rath of God. Let thy anger never 
rise against me ; but thy rod gently correct my fol- 
lies, and guide me in thy ways; and thy staff sup- 
port me in all sufferings and changes. Keep all 
my senses entire till the day of my death ; and let 
my death be neither sudden, untimely, nor unpro- 
vided ; let it be after the common manner of men, 
having in it nothing extraordinary, but an extraor- 
dinary piety, and the manifestation of thy great 
and miraculous mercy. 

20* 



234 FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION 

IV 

Let no riches make me ever forget myself, no 
poverty ever make me forget thee. Let no hope 
or fear, no pleasure or pain, no accident without, no 
weakness within, hinder or discompose my duty, or 
turn me from the ways of thy commandments. O 
let thy Spirit dwell with me for ever, and make my 
soul just and charitable, full of honesty, full of reli- 
gion, resolute and constant in holy purposes, but 
inflexible to evil. Make me humble and obedient, 
peaceable and pious. Let me never envy any man's 
good, nor deserve to be despised myself; and if I 
be, teach me to bear it with meekness and charity. 



Give me a tender conscience ; a conversation 
discreet and affable, modest and patient, liberal 
and obliging ; a body chaste and healthful ; com- 
petency of living according to my condition ; con- 
tentedness in all estates; a resigned will and mor- 
tified affections ; that I may be as thou wouldst 
have me, and that my portion may be in the lot of 
the righteous, in the brightness of thy countenance, 
and the glories of eternity. Amen. 

Holy is our God. Holy is the Almighty. Holy 
is the Immortal. Holy, holy, holy Lord God of 
Hosts, have mercy upon me. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, <fcc. 



A FORM OF PRAYER FOR EVENING. 

I. 

O eternal God, great Father of men and angels, 
who hast established the heavens and the earth in 
a wonderful order, making day and night to s ic- 



FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 235 

ceed each other ; I make my humble address to thy 
Divine Majesty, begging of thee mercy and pro- 
tection this night and ever. O Lord, pardon all 
my sins, my light and rash words, the vanity and 
impiety of my thoughts, my unjust and uncharita- 
ble actions, and whatsoever sins I have committed 
against thee this day, or any time before. Behold, 
O God, my soul is troubled in the remembrance of 
my sins, in the frailty and sinfulness of my flesh, 
exposed to every temptation, and of itself not able 
to resist any. Lord God of mercy, I earnestly beg 
of thee to give me a great portion of thy grace, such 
as may be sufficient and effectual for the mortifica- 
tion of all my sins, and vanities, and disorders : that 
as I have formerly served my lust and unworthy 
desires, so now I may give myself up wholly to thy 
service and the studies of a holy life. 

II. 

Blessed Lord, teach me frequently and sadly to 
remember my sins ; and be thou pleased for Jesus 
my Redeemers sake to remember them no more. 
Let me never forget thy mercies, and do thou still 
remember to do me good. Teach me to walk 
always as in thy presence. Ennoble my soul with 
great degrees of love to thee; and impress on my 
spirit a great fear and veneration of thy holy name 
and laws ; that it may become the great employ- 
ment of my whole life to serve thee, to advance thy 
glory, to root out all the habits of sin, that in holi- 
ness of life, in humility, in charity, in chastity, and 
in all the ornaments of grace, I may by patience 
wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus. Amen. 

III. 

Teach me, O Lord, to number my days, that I 
may apply my heart unto wisdom ; ever to remem- 



236 FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 

ber my last end, that I may not dare to sin against 
thee. Let thy holy angels be ever present with me, 
to keep me in all my ways from the malice and vio- 
lence of the spirits of darkness, from evil company, 
and the occasions and opportunities of evil, from all 
the ways of sinful shame, from the hands of all 
mine enemies, from a sinful life, and from despair 
in the hour of my death. Then, O blessed Jesus, 
shine gloriously upon me ; let thy mercies, and the 
light of thy countenance sustain me in my agonies, 
weaknesses, and temptations ; give me an opportu- 
nity of a prudent and spiritual guide, and of receiv- 
ing the holy sacrament ; and let thy loving Spirit so 
guide me in the ways of peace and safety, that with 
the testimony of a good conscience, and the sense 
of thy mercies and grace, I may depart this life in 
the unity of the church, in the love of God, and a 
certain hope of salvation through thee, my Lord 
and blessed Saviour. Amen. 

IV. 

Into thy hands, most blessed Jesus, I commend 
my soul and body, for thou hast redeemed both with 
thy most precious blood. So bless and sanctify my 
sleep unto me, that it may be temperate, holy, and 
safe, a refreshment to my wearied body, to enable 
it so to serve my soul, that both may serve thee with 
a never-failing duty. O let me never sleep in sin 
or death eternal, but give me a watchful and a pru- 
dent spirit, that I may omit no opportunity of serv- 
ing thee ; that whether I sleep or wake, live or die, 
I may be thy servant and thy child ; that when the 
work of my life is done, I may rest in the bosom 
of my Lord ; till by the voice of the archangel, the 
trump of God, I shall be awakened and called to sit 
down and feast at the eternal supper of the Lam<). 
Grant this, O Lamb of God, for the honour of thy 



FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 237 

mercies, and the glory of thy name, O most merci- 
ful Saviour and Redeemer Jesus. Amen. 

Our Father, &e. 

Psalm cxxi. 1, <fcc. — -I will lift up mine eyes unto 
the hills, from whence cometh my help. 

My help cometh from the Lord, who hath made 
heaven and earth. 

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : he that 
keepeth thee will not slumber. 

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slum- 
ber nor sleep. 

The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade 
upon thy right hand. 

The sun shall not smite thee by day, neither the 
moon by night. 

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil : he 
shall preserve thy soul. 

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy 
coming in, from this time forth for evermore. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 



To your Evening Devotions add the follow- 
ing Act of Intercession. 

O God of infinite mercy, who hast compassion 
on all men, and relievest the necessities of all that 
call to thee for help ; hear the prayers of thy ser- 
vant, who is unworthy to ask any petition for him- 
self, yet in humility and duty is bound to pray for 
others. 

O let thy mercy descend upon the whole church , 
preserve her in truth and peace, in unity and safety ; 
that offering to thy glory the never-ceasing sacrifice 
of prayer and thanksgiving, she may advance the 
honour of her Lord, and be filled with his Spirit, 
and partake of his glory. Amen. 



238 FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 

Bless all Christian rulers, and grant them grace, 
wisdom, and understanding, to execute justice, and 
to maintain truth. Amen. 

Bless those who minister in holy things. Clothe 
them with salvation, that the people may rejoice. 
Amen. 

Let all my family and kindred, my neighbours 
and friends, receive the benefit of my prayers, and 
the blessings of thy favour ; the comforts and sup- 
ports of thy providence, and the sanctification of thy 
Spirit. Amen. 

Relieve and comfort all the persecuted and 
afflicted ; speak peace to troubled consciences ; 
strengthen the weak ; confirm the strong ; instruct 
the ignorant ; deliver the oppressed from him that 
spoileth him ; and relieve the needy that hath no 
helper ; and bring us all, by the waters of comfort, 
and in the ways of righteousness, to the kingdom of 
rest and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



To your Devotions on Sunday add the 
following. 

(From Bishop Andrews.) 

Through the tender mercy of our God, the day- 
spring from on high hath visited us. 

Blessed be thy name, O Lord, for that light 
which no darkness ever overspreads, that sun which 
never goes down. 

O thou who, on this day, didst rise again, raise 
up my soul to newness of life ; grant me repentance 
from dead works, and plant me in the likeness of 
thy resurrection. 

And thou, O Father and God of peace, who didst 
bring again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, 



FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 239 

that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood 
of the everlasting covenant ; make me perfect in 
every good work to do thy will, working in me that 
which is well pleasing in thy sight, through Jesus 
Christ. 

O thou who didst also on this day of the week 
send down on thy apostles thy most Holy Spirit ; 
take not the same Spirit away from us ; but grant 
to all thy servants who ask it of thee, that they may 
be daily renewed, and more plentifully enriched 
with the same. 

O Lord, who, by choosing this day for these most 
important, most beneficial events, didst direct thy 
apostles to call it, and to make it thy holy day ; 
grant that by imploring thy grace, and celebrating 
thy praise on this holy day ; by praising and read- 
ing thy word ; and by attending on the public as- 
semblies of thy saints in the house where thy honour 
dwelleth ; I may be prepared for that eternal rest 
which remaineth for the people of God, of which 
the sacred rest of this day is a figure and a pledge 
— and for joining in the eternal hymns of angels 
and blessed spirits in the life to come ; ascribing 
unto God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 
honour and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. 



SHORT EJACULATIONS. 

In the Morning, when you first awake and 
see the Light. 

1 bless thee, O Lord, for watching over me this 
night, and for bringing me to enjoy the comforts 
of another day. Lord, lift thou up the light of thy 
countenance upon me. 



240 FORMS OF DAILY DEVOTION. 

WHEN YOU GET UP. 

I laid me down and slept, and rose up again, for 
the Lord sustained me. O let me awake unto 
righteousness, and arise from the dead, that Christ 
may give me light. 

WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AT NIGHT. 

I will lay me down in peace, to take my rest. O 
my God, under the shadow of thy wings make me 
to dwell in safety* 

IN THE CHURCH, BEFORE DIVINE SERVICE. 

O Lord, pardon my sins, and receive my prayers; 
and may the truths of salvation here proclaimed 
make me wise unto salvation, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

AFTER DIVINE SERVICE. 

O Lord, pardon the imperfections both of my 
prayers and praises, and incline me not only to hear 
thy word, but to obey the same, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

GRACE BEFORE MEAT. 

Bless, O Lord, we beseech thee, this refresh- 
ment to our use, and us to thy service, for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 

GRACE AFTER MEAT. 

For this and every other mercy, O God, thy holy 
name be praised, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



DIRECTIONS 

TO 

COLLECTS AND PSALMS* 

IN THE 

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, 

PROPER TO BE USED BY THE COMMUNICANT IN HIS PRIVATE 
DEVOTION. 



Collects. *Sfee— 

For God's assistance in the perform- 5 1st Sunday after Epiphany, 

ance of our duty, \ 9th after Trinity. 

n j ,. r i „„ . C 3d Sunday after Epiphany, 

For deliverance from, and support S ^ after ^ V * » 

under, afflictions, J 5th in Lent. 

C 5th Sunday after Epiphany, 

For the universal church. 



For peace and unity of the church. 

For contrition, 
Against covetousness, 

For conversion from sin, < 

For the benefit of Christ's death, 
For a right and firm faith, 
For faith, hope, and chanty, 

For grace and assistance in our 
spiritual course, 



St, John Evangelist, 
) 2d for Good Friday, 
C 16th and 22d after Trinity. 
C 5th Sunday after Trinity, 
} St. Simon and St, Jude, 
{See Ministers. 

Ash Wednesday. 

St. Matthew's Day. 
f 1st Sunday in Advent, 
) 1st after Easter, 
, St. Andrew's Day, 
I St. James' Day, 
- St. Matthew's Day. 

The Annunciation. 
< Trinity Sunday, St. Thomas, and 
I St. Mark. 

14th Sunday after Trinity. 
J ty in Lent, 
vent, 




For eternal happiness, 

For humility and patience, 
For imitation of Christ, 

For our imitation of the saints, 



13th after Trinity 
C 1st Sunday in Advent, 
) Epiphany, 

J 6th Sunday after Epiphany, 
v Sunday after Ascension Day 
Sunday before Easter. 
2d Sunday after Easter, 
f St. Stephen's Day, 
) St. Philip's Day, 
\ St. James' Day, 
f St. John Baptist's Day, 
1 All Saints Day. 

21 



242 DIRECTIONS TO COLLECTS AND PSALM3. 



For deliverance from judgments, 

For the love of God and hi 'aws 

For love and charity, 

For the ministers of God's wo, 
and sacraments, 

For mortification, 
For the protection of God's provi- 
dence, 
For purity of heart, 

For pardon of sin, 

For acceptance of our prayers, 
For renovation, 
To be truly religious, 
For Christian resolution, 
For sincerity, 

Before reading the Scriptures, 
Against evil thoughts, 
For deliverance from, and suppo 
under, temptations, 

£*or fruitful ness in good works, 



Collects. 

Septuagesima Sunday, 
^ 4th Sunday in Lent. 
C 4th Sunday after Easter, 
9 ' 1 1st, 6th, 7th, and 14th, after Trinity 
Quinquagesima Sunday 
3 C St. Matthias' Dav, 
U \ St. Peter's Day, 
<3d Sunday in Advent. 

The Circumcision, and Easter-Day. 
( 2d, 3d, 4th, and 20th Sundays aftei 
I Trinity. 

The Purification. 
( 12th, 21st, and 24th Sundays aftei 
( Trinity. 
10th Sunday after Trinity. 
Christmas-Day. 
7th Sunday after Trinity. 
St. John Baptist's Day. 
3d Sunday after Easter. 
2d Sunday in Advent. 
5th after Easter. 
\ 4th after Epiphany, 
I 2d in Lent. 
5th after Easter, 
t, 9th, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 25tk 
after Trinitv. 



(5th 
1 1st 



For God's assistance in our sacramental preparation, 

For the gift and grace of repentance, - 

Before self-examination, ------ 

For confession of sins, and for forgiveness, 

An act of contrition, - - - 

On a resolution to lead a new life, - 

For faith in God's mercy through Christ's death, - 

For a thankful remembrance of Christ's death, 

For the grace of charity, - » - 

For grace to love God's law, - 

For a holy life, - - - - - 

For salvation and eternal happiness, 

For God's care and protection, - - - - 

For the comfort of God's holy Spirit, - 

For humility, ------- 

Thanksgiving for God's mercies, - 
For pardon of sins, - - - - 

For redemption by Christ, - - - - - 

Against evil and perplexing thoughts, 
On Christmas-Day, and seven days after, 
Easter-Day, and seven days after, - - - - 

Whitsunday, and six days days after, - 

Trinity Sunday, - 

For the grace of perseverance, 
For the morning, - 

For the evening, 

The seven Penitential Psalms are the 6th, 32d, 38th, 
sod 143d. 



Psalms, 
23, 26, 111. 
6, 25, 32, 38. 
139 

6, 32, 38, 51. 
25. 

1, 23, 24, 25, 126, 
19, 57. 

2, 3, 4, 103 

15, 41, 112, 133, 

19, 119. 

85. 

16,24. 

37. 

34. 

131. 

103. 136, 138. 

85, 106, 116. 
93, 118. 

6, 34. 42, 43, 102. 
19, 45, 85. 
2, 57, 111. 
34, 42, 43, 51. 
2, 47, 72, 110. 

86, 119. 

4,16,17,23,86. 
119, 130, 138. 
51st, 102d, 130th, 



DIRECTIONS TO PSALMS. 243 

Onr Saviours Sermon on the Mount is the 5th, 6th, and "th chapter! * 
St Matthew. 

The eight Beatitudes. St. Matt. chap. v. ver. 3, fyc. 

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for llieirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

2. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. 

3. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. 

4. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; fo»^ 
they shall be filled, 

5. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. 

6. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. 

7. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children 
of God. 

8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteonsn ess' sake; for 
l ^eirs is the kingdom of heaven. 



NOTE A, FOR PAGE 175. 

It may not be amiss to present to the reader the following passages from 
the writings of the Fathers, which, with many others that might be pro- 
duced, decisively prove, that the primitive church was episcopal. 

FIRST CENTURY. 

Ignatius, Bishop of Anlioch, in his Epistle to the Trallians. 

" Continue inseparable from Jesus Christ our God, and from your bishop, 
and from the commands of the apostles. He that is within the altar is 
pure ; but he that is without, that is, does any thing without the bishop, and 
presbyters, and deacons, is not pure in his conscience." 

In his Epistle to the Smyrnians. 

" Let no man do any thing of what belongs to the church without the 
bishop. It is not lawful, without the bishop, neither to baptize, nor to 
celebrate the holy communion." 

SECOND CENTURY. 
Iren-eus, Bishop of Lyons. 

"We can reckon up those whom the apostles ordained to be bishops in 
the several churches, and who they were that succeeded them down to our 
times."* 

Clemens, of Alexandria. 

44 There are other precepts without number; some which relate to pres- 
byters; others which belong to bishops; others respecting deacons."} 

THIRD CENTURY. 

Origin, of Alexandria. 

* 4 There is a debt due to deacons; another to presbyters; and another 
to bishops, which is the greatest of all, and exacted by the Saviour of the 
whole church "t 

Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage. 

"The church is built or bishops, and every act of the church is governed 
*nd directed by them, its presidents ."§ 

* Iren&us, lib. Hi. cap. 5. t Pcedag. lib. Hi. cap. 12. 

% Origen, lib. ?rtp) $v<%yi?. $ Cypriamis, principio epist. 33, 



244 NOTE A, FOR PAGE 175 

The testimony of St. Jerome, in the fourth century, has been suppose? 
by some, to militate against episcopacy. In his comment on the first cnap- 
ter of Titus, he advances only as a conjecture, " that the churches were at 
first governed by a college of presbyters, equal in rank and dignity. After- 
wards, divisions being occasioned by this parity among presbyters, when 
every presbyter began to claim, as his own particular subjects, those whom 
he had baptized; and it was said by the people, / am of Paul, and I of 
Apollos, and I of Cephas ; to remedy this evil, it was ordered, all the world 
over, that one of* the presbyters in every church should be set over the rest, 
and peculiarly called bishop." But it is evident, that in this passage, St. 
Jerome plainly refers the degree by which bishops were established over 
presbyters, to the time of the apostles. He not only assigns, as the occasion 
of it, the adherence of some to Paul, of others to Apollos, of others to Ce- 
phas, which is reproved by St. Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians; but 
in his epistle to Evagrius, he expressly calls the distinction of bishops, pres- 
byters, and deacons, an apostolic institution, and taken by the apostles 
from the Old Testament, where Aaron, his sons the priests, and the Levites, 
correspond to the three orders of the Christian church. In his catalogue 
of ecclesiastical writers, he affirms, " that James was ordained bishop of 
Jerusalem by the apostles ; that Timothy was made bishop of Ephesus, 
and Titus of Crete, by St. Paul ; and Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, bv St. 
John," &c. Even in St. Jerome's opinion, therefore, the primacy of bish 
ops over presbyters was an apostolic institution. Yet, were the opinion of 
St. Jerome otherwise, the opinion of a single Father, in the fourth century, 
ought not certainly to be adduced against the concurring testimony of all 
the earlier Fathers. 

The primitive church, beyond all doubt, was episcopal. The bishops 
alone possessed the power of ordination transmitted from Christ, the head 
of the church, that spiritual power which can be derived from him alone. 
If, then, presbyters, who never received authority to ordain, were to exer- 
cise this power, the ministerial commission which they would confer, would 
not be derived in the appointed channel from Christ, and of course would 
not be sanctioned by him. The mode established by Christ and his apos- 
tles, of conveying ministerial power in the church to "the end of the 
world," cannot be altered by any human authority. 

The reader who is in doubt on this subject, certainly one of the most 
important that can engage his attention, is earnestly requested candidly and 
seriously to peruse Potter on Church Government, and Law's Three Let- 
ters to the Bishop of Bangor, which last are published in the Scholar Armed. 
The former of these writers, by a luminous series of testimony from Scrip- 
ture and the primitive Fathers, proves that the original constitution of the 
church was episcopal; and the latter, in a masterly strain of argument, de- 
fends this truth against all the objections with which it can be assailed. 
United, they place the episcopal constitution of the church on the firm 
foundation of Scripture, antiquity, and sound reason. 

The opinion advanced by Sir Peter King, and since by others, that a 
bishop was originally the head of only one congregation, and possessed no 
diocesan authority, is entirely refuted and exposed by Slater, in his Origi- 
nal Draught on ihe Primitive Church. And much valuable information 
on thi3 subject maybe found in^i Guide to the Church, by Charles Dau* 
beny, L. L. D. a presbyter of the Church of England. 

The principles advanced in this Companion for the Altar, on the subject 
of the Christian ministry, having been violently assaii-ed, the author found 
it necessaiy to vindicate* them in "An Apology for Apostolic Order and its 
Advocates." 

THE END, 



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